Eurovision: Last News

The Eurovision Song Contest is set to be even more fabulous this year, as national treasure Dame Joanna Lumley has been announced as the UK spokesperson.The Absolutely Fabulous icon's role in the grand final was revealed by Eurovision commentator Graham Norton on The One Show on Friday. Joanna, a long-time fan of Eurovision, is already gearing up for her iconic role where she will be broadcasted live into the arena in Malmo, Sweden.The actress, who recently starred in Netflix's Fool Me Once, expressed her excitement saying: "Good evening Malmo, it's Joanna here! "I am delighted to be announcing the jury vote for the UK at this year's Eurovision.

ITV has decided to remove Britain's Got Talent from its schedule next weekend, in an attempt to avoid a 'ratings war' with the Eurovision Song Contest. On Saturday, May 11, the popular talent show will be replaced by the Bond film Casino Royale, with BGT set to return on Sunday night, May 12. OK! has reached out to ITV for comment.The upcoming weekend will see more auditions on BGT, following its return to screens last month.

Eurovision organisers have confirmed that they reserve the right to remove Palestinian flags and pro-Palestinian symbols during the contest in Malmö, Sweden next week.The contest’s communications head has said that ticket buyers will only be allowed to display the flags of competing countries – including Israel – and the Pride flag. In a message to the Associated Press, they also said that “clothes, items or posters that can be used as instruments to be shown on television screens” featuring pro-Palestinian symbols may also be banned.Pro-Palestinian demonstrations are expected to take place in protest of Israel’s controversial participation in the contest following the current tensions with Hamas that have been ongoing since October.

Olly Alexander made a cameo appearance in last night’s episode of EastEnders (May 2) – watch below.The Years & Years frontman starred in a scene on the BBC One soap ahead of representing the UK at the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden next Saturday (May 11).Alexander visited the iconic Queen Victoria pub on Albert Square, where he was introduced as a friend of Johnny Carter (played by Charlie Suff). The latter character explained that the pair “go way back”, adding: “Years and years, in fact.”The singer added: “We met in a bar in Manchester.

The One Show host Roman Kemp got more than he bargained for during Thursday night’s edition of the BBC show, when co-host Alex Jones revealed far more information than he was comfortable with.The show first kicked off with guest Dannii Minogue, as she came to discuss the release of her brand new dating show I Kissed A Girl, which puts 10 single lesbians together in the hope of finding a lasting romance. Explaining the premise, Dannii kicked things off by saying: “It follows the same format as the show we did last year, I kissed a Boy, so it starts with a kiss.The girls let us know what type of person they’re looking for, so we try to make sure there’s someone there that we really do think they’ll like, but it starts with a kiss, no chat no nothing before.

Eurovision entry Bambie Thug has spoken to NME about navigating the controversy surrounding the competition this year, along with the key inspirations behind their metal-infused “ouija-pop” sound and representing their nation as a queer, non-binary contestant.The Irish singer-songwriter (real name Bambie Ray Robinson) won RTÉ’s Eurosong contest in January with their song ‘Doomsday Blues’. Robinson penned the track with Cassyette, Wargasm’s Sam Matlock and songwriter Tylr Rydr.They currently rank in the top 10 favourites to win the competition this year, of which they said: “Ireland has only qualified once for the final in the last 10 years – the fact that we are there even in the top 10 is incredible.

Nineties pop sensation and former Celebrity Big Brother contestant, Ben Adams, has shared happy news with fans as he announced the arrival of his second child via Instagram. The 42 year old singer, known for his chart-topping success with pop group A1, took to social media to introduce his newborn son, Storm, alongside heartwarming photos.

EastEnders are lining up a couple to get wed in an upcoming episode of the BBC soap, and it will coincide with a visit from a popstar. Olly Alexander - best known as the frontman of band Years and Years - will be joining the soap for a one-off episode prior to his appearance in the Eurovision Song Contest where he’ll be performing his song ‘Dizzy’. Olly will stop in at the Queen Vic after rehearsing where he meets an old friend Johnny Carter (played by Charlie Suff).

Eurovision Song Contest has been unveiled ahead of the grand final next month.Lighting and Screen Content designer Fredrik Stormby from Green Wall Designs and production designer Florian Wieder are the creative masterminds who helped create, design, and deliver a large-scale and spectacular show to a global audience of over 160million for the 2024 Eurovision final in Malmö, Sweden on May 11.This year’s stage and lighting design for Eurovision will focus on the audience more than ever by having the stage placed in the centre of the arena. By doing so, viewers will be able to experience the unique 360 degree view in the Malmö Arena.The stage will also be shaped like a cross with movable LED cubes and LED floors.

Eurovision Song Contest 2024.According to Eurovision World, the favourites to win the competition have been revealed. Coming in first place is Switzerland’s NEMO, who currently has a 25 per cent chance at snagging the crown this year with their song ‘The Code’.Behind Switzerland in second place is Croatia, whose entry Baby Lasagna is predicted to have a 17 per cent chance of winning with his song ‘Rim Tim Tagi Dim’.

Pet Shop Boys have responded to the recent comparisons of their classic single ‘It’s A Sin’ to Olly Alexander’s Eurovision entry ‘Dizzy’.Alexander released the track last month ahead of the Years & Years singer representing the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden next month.‘Dizzy’ was co-written by Alexander and electronic producer Danny L Harle (Charli XCX, Dua Lipa, Caroline Polachek). Upon the track’s release, the former explained that it was “inspired by a lot of music we love from the ’80s like Erasure, Adamski and of course Pet Shop Boys”.Some listeners have pointed out similarities to Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe’s 1987 hit specifically.

Olly Alexander is set to make an appearance on EastEnders next month.The Years & Years singer is this year’s UK Eurovision Song Contest entrant, and will be visiting Walford as part of his rehearsal process.According to the BBC, Alexander will be heading to the fictional Queen Vic pub after finishing up rehearsals for his Eurovision performance nearby.Alexander has spoken about the opportunity to feature on the UK’s most popular TV soap, saying: “I’m thrilled to be making my first appearance on EastEnders and in the most iconic pub in the UK.”The It’s A Sin star continued: “I’m so happy I got to meet some true screen legends and spend time on set with the brilliant cast and crew.”Alexander shared how he had initially wanted the appearance to be kept secret from his mum: “I wanted to surprise my mum as it’s her favourite show but I guess the cat is out of the bag now, she’s gonna love it!”

Mae Muller has spoken to NME about leaving her record label to become an independent artist, feeling “at peace” with Eurovision and headlining this week’s Club NME event.The 26-year-old singer-songwriter will take to the stage at London’s Scala on Friday (April 12) for a live headline set. She’ll be joined on the night by Self Esteem and special guest Raven Mandella – both of whom will be hitting the decks to DJ into the early hours.The legendary Club NME series returned last September with Courteeners playing in London before Blossoms delivered a special show in Manchester earlier this year.

Hannah Waddingham is stepping into some royal shoes, taking over a significant role from Kate Middleton. The Sex Education and Ted Lasso actress could hardly contain her excitement after being named the Godmother of Princess Cruise Line's latest ship, Sun Princess, following its maiden voyage in February this year. Following the announcement, the 49 year old actress revealed that the new role holds a special place in her heart due to a touching family connection to the marine industry.

When guests arrived at the four-in-one celebration thrown by Sam Quek for her two children, they might have assumed the jungle theme was a nod to her 2016 stint on I’m a Celebrity. With a backdrop of lush foliage, a zoo-full of model animals and a stunning five tier cake complete with waterfall, the joint Christening and birthday party for three-year-old Molly and Zac, two, had unmistakable notes of the tropics. In fact the decor, created inside a hotel in Merseyside as a scene-setter to a day full of love and laughter, was inspired by the children themselves.

Strictly Come Dancing won't hit screens until the autumn, yet talk has already turned to who could be competing this year.The hit BBC dance competition is busy securing its lineup for its 22nd series and while the official list is still yet to be revealed, many familiar faces are already rumoured to be taking part.The new batch of contestants will be hoping to repeat the success of last year's winners, Coronation Street's Ellie Leach and her professional partner Vito Coppola, who famously scooped the coveted Glitterball trophy after 13 jaw-dropping weeks of impressive dancing. Of course, it isn't just the celebrity contestants that need to be announced either, as the confirmed professional dancers are also waiting to be unveiled.

The Hives have paid tribute to the 50th anniversary of ABBA winning Eurovision while playing at the Brighton Dome.Last night (April 3), the Swedish Rock band took the stage at the Brighton Dome in the UK as part of their ongoing ‘The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons’ tour. Before commencing the third track of the night, frontman Pelle Almqvist took the time to explain why it was an iconic night.“About 50 years and a day ago, ABBA from Sweden won the Eurovision Song Contest in this very room.

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BBC Gladiators fans have all said the same thing as the show crowned its champions on Saturday evening after a thrilling final that saw four competitors face off against the super-fit stars of the show before taking each other on in the Eliminator. After 11 weeks of fierce competition, the finale saw Finlay Anderson and Marie-Louise Nicholson emerge victorious after a tense final showdown under the watchful eye of presenting duo Bradley and Barney Walsh.

Olly Alexander has confirmed that he will not boycott this year’s Eurovision, despite Israel’s inclusion, saying “it wouldn’t bring us any closer to our shared goal”.The UK’s entry in this year’s competition has faced calls to withdraw in solidarity with Palestine, but it appears that will not be happening.In a personal statement posted on his social media accounts, he said: “I wholeheartedly support action being taken to demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the return of all hostages and the safety and security of all civilians in Palestine and Israel.“I know some people will choose to boycott this year’s Eurovision and I understand and respect their decision.”Queers for Palestine sent me their letter asking me to withdraw from the ESC earlier this week and I responded to them directly, I’m sharing my response here alongside this mornings collective artist statement

Olly Alexander and a number of other performers have released a joint statement about their participation in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest after calls to boycott the competition in solidarity with Palestine.Yesterday (March 28) hundreds of queer artists, individuals and organisations called on Alexander to pull out of the competition this year, after its refusal to expel Israel.Now, Alexander, alongside Ireland’s Bambie Thug, Norway’s Gåte, Portugal’s Iolanda, San Marino’s Megara, Switzerland’s Nemo, Denmark’s SABA, Lithuania’s Silvester Belt and Finland’s Windows95Man, have signed a letter outlining their response.“We want to begin by acknowledging the privilege of taking part in Eurovision,” it begins.pic.twitter.com/VBNQWwPe46— olly alexander (@alexander_olly) March 29, 2024“In light of the current situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and particularly in Gaza, and in Israel, we do not feel comfortable being silent. It is important to us to stand in solidarity with the oppressed and communicate our heartfelt wish for peace, an immediate and lasting ceasefire, and the safe return of all hostages.