Eurovision 2021: Graham Norton to return as host

Norton will present live from Rotterdam while Sara Cox, Chelcee Grimes and Scott Mills will provide commentary from London

Roisin O'Connor
Friday 21 May 2021 06:33 EDT
Comments
Madonna performs 'Future' at Eurovision 2019

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Graham Norton will return as the host for the BBC coverage of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, it has been confirmed.

The broadcaster unveiled its plan for coverage of the annual competition, which takes place this year in Rotterdam, after the 2020 event was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Norton will comment on the event live from Rotterdam, while Chelcee Grimes, Sara Cox and Scott Mills will present from London.

Meanwhile, actor and singer Amanda Holden will serve as the Eurovision spokesperson, also from London, and deliver the results of the UK professional jury vote.

Representing the UK this year is singer-songwriter James Newman, who will perform his single “Embers”.

Norton said: “I’m so excited for Eurovision to return, after the past year we’ve had it’s exactly the kind of joy the world needs.

“The UK have a great entry with James Newman and ‘Embers’, it’s a banger and represents everything that Eurovision is. It’s arguably the best night of the year and I can’t wait – bring it on!”

The Eurovision semi-finals, which are produced by BBC Studios, will air on 18 and 20 May on BBC Four.

The grand final will take place on Saturday 22 May.

Read The Independent’s review of “Embers” here.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in