Eurovision viewing figures revealed with BBC dealt crushing blow as millions snub final

ok.co.uk:

BBC's Eurovision viewership plummeted as a global boycott impacted figures for its broadcast of the Song Contest this year with a significant drop in viewers.The grand finale on Saturday night was snubbed by millions, following a widespread boycott, leading to the BBC witnessing a loss of nearly two million viewers from last year's numbers.The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, which is a Palestinian-led campaign advocating for various forms of protest against Israel, called for a boycott of this year's contest.This action came after the decision by the Eurovision Broadcasting Union to allow Israel to participate despite its conflict with Palestine, while Russia was excluded from the competition in 2022 due to its military actions in Ukraine.The boycott seems to have made a dent, with a noticeable dip in the viewership compared to previous years.

On Sunday, TV critic and podcast host Scott Bryan tweeted: "Eurovision was watched by 7.6 million last night, down from 9.9 million - a 23% fall.

Doctor Who had 2.6 million and 2.4 million for its two opening episodes - but they debuted on iPlayer," reports the Mirror. He continued: "Eurovision BBC Ratings (average viewers) 2024: 7.6 million 2023: 9.9 million 2022: 8.9 million 2021: 7.4 million." Just hours before the Eurovision final, Olly Alexander was hit with a devastating plea as fans implored him to 'do the right thing'.The pop sensation's followers begged him to step down from the Eurovision Song Contest mere hours before he was set to take the stage for the UK in Sweden.