After months of speculation, the Eurovision 2023 hosts are confirmed. Graham Norton, Alesha Dixon, Hannah Waddingham and Ukrainian star Julia Sanina will host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Liverpool this May.
The trio of ladies will host the semi-finals, with Graham joining Alesha, Hannah and Julia to assist present the final.
Rumours have swirled about the presenters of the Liverpool edition of the song contest since October. Suggested names included Rylan Clark and AJ Odudu. But now, fans can put those rumours to rest.
Fans initially cast Graham Norton out of the race after the Irish presenter suggested he’d rather keep his commentating gig. However, the BBC appears to have reached a deal with the long-time voice of Eurovision. Former Bake Off host Mel Giedroyc will join him in the commentary booth during the final. She’ll be there to plug in any gaps while he’s running to the stage or on it.
The announcement comes after mounting speculation surrounding the Eurovision host gig. On Sunday 19 February, The Daily Star reported Alesha Dixon was offered a “big money deal” to host the contest.
Ukrainian presenter Timur Miroshnychenko, who co-hosted Eurovision 2017, had also been speculated as a potential host for this year’s contest. But although he won’t be up on the main stage during the three live shows, he will still be popping up from time to time. Timur has been given the role of “Eurovision correspondent”, appearing at points during the programme and providing live insights from Ukraine’s commentary booth.
Timur is also set to host the Opening Ceremony on the official Eurovision Song Contest YouTube Channel. For this he’ll be joined by former field hockey player and now TV presenter Sam Quek, who hails from host city Liverpool.
Meanwhile, the BBC has also confirmed that Rylan and Scott Mills will return as the UK’s commentators for the two semi-finals.
Graham Norton, Alesha Dixon, Hannah Waddingham and Julia Sanina: Who are the Eurovision 2023 hosts?
The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will be presented by Graham Norton, Alesha Dixon, Hannah Waddingham and Julia Sanina.
The quartet will host the shows on 9, 11, and 13 May, live from the Liverpool M&S Bank Arena.
Graham Norton
Graham Norton, 59, is an BAFTA-winning Irish presenter, broadcaster and comedian. He is best known as the host of late-night chat show The Graham Norton Show and as the UK’s voice of Eurovision, providing commentary for the BBC since 2009.
Graham is known for his innuendo-laden comedy. He first found fame in the UK at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, performing as a dragged-up Mother Theresa. After a number of appearances on comedy radio and TV chat shows, he had a brief acting stint in award-winning sitcom Father Ted as Father Noel Furlong. More recently, he returned to acting as the voice of Moonwind in Disney Pixar’s Soul.
Although most of his work occurs behind the commentary booth, Mr Norton is no stranger to the Eurovision stage. In 2007, he hosted the first edition of the ill-fated Eurovision Dance Contest. In 2015, also hosted the Eurovision Song Contest Greatest Hits 60th anniversary celebration show in London, alongside Swedish comedienne Petra Mede.
Alesha Dixon
Alesha Dixon, 44, is a singer and dancer from Hertfordshire. She rose to fame in the early 2000s as part of hip-hop group Mis-Teeq, bagging a string of top ten hits including “All I Want“ and “Scandalous”. The group disbanded in 2005 and Alesha found solo success. She won the fifth series of Strictly Come Dancing and subsequently became a judge on the long-running BBC primetime show.
In 2008, Alesha Dixon scored a worldwide hit with her cheeky jazz track “The Boy Does Nothing”. The song charted in number one in Czechia and Hungary, number two in France, Finland and Spain, and broke the top ten in Sweden, Italy, and Australia. In 2010, Alesha Dixon picked up a BRIT Award nomination for Best Single for her track “Breathe Slow”.
Elsewhere, Alesha Dixon is a regular judge on Britain’s Got Talent and has appeared on several international versions as a guest judge. In 2021, she appeared as a guest judge on the third series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.
Hannah Waddingham
Hannah Waddingham is an actress, singer, and musical theatre performer from London. Star of stage and screen Hannah, 48, is best known for her role as Septa Unella in Game of Thrones and as Rebecca Welton in Ted Lasso.
A graduate of the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts, Hannah quickly found success on the West End and Broadway theatre scenes. From 2006-2008, she played the Lady of the Lake in Monty Python’s Spamalot on Broadway. Then in 2011, she joined the cast of The Wizard of Oz during its run at the London Palladium, portraying Miss Gulch and the Wicked Witch of the West.
Julia Sanina
Julia Sanina, 32, is a singer-songwriter from Kyiv, Ukraine. She’s best known as the frontwoman of alt-rock band The Hardkiss.
Julia said: “I’m so excited to showcase Ukrainian culture and creativity, and to help put on a show to make my country proud. I can’t wait to get to Liverpool and meet the fans and the rest of the Eurovision family.”
What do you think? Are you happy with the host lineup? Let us know in the comments below.
Have the bbc said who will take over the Radio 2 commentary.? it’s a Ken Bruce gig but he leaves in March.
I did wonder if Scott Mills would take over, after all he’ll be in Liverpool anyway for the semi finals.
I haven’t listened to the radio commentary for years but as a child I used to cassette record the contest from the radio (showing my age)
Am I the only one wishing that Ukraine was more in the forefront? They did win the contest after all. They should at least be 50% of things. (Though more would be even better)
I dont know if it is just me, or this year is hanging by a thread? Lets hope the remaining songs (that we havent listen yet) are spectacular and save this contest, because everything that is out and in competition is horrible. I feel sad for Eurovision this year…
Lackluster. The word you are searching for is ‘lackluster’. (I’ve only downloaded two songs so far.) But thankfully, there is still time to turn that around.
Watching how the BBC messed up the BAFTAs so badly this year, I hope the EBU keep a firm grip on the reigns. At least we avoided Alison Hammond roaming around the green room going “Aright babes?! Stunning performance hun!”.
What’s wrong with that? I didn’t see it, but seems normal enough. I much prefer real people than somebody like “The Prince of Wales” sitting in the front row, deigning to grace us with his presence. The class system is obsolete.
Rather her than Graham Norton. Ugh! what a t–t! But in the other hand, this role will decrease his usual pettiness and meanness.
Great lineup! Hannah is brilliant, Alesha is fun and Julia is the stand-out Ukranian beauty we need in the show. And Graham is a legend. I’m very please AJ Odudu is not presenting, her voice is like nails on a chalkboard for me.
thank god no Rylan! Mel is clueless about Eurovision, she took it as a joke in the national finals so I don’t know what’s going to do it in the final but I hope she knows that millions will be watching in the UK so she better do her homework. However, it looks like Graham will be in the commentary box during the performances and maybe the voting so we won’t have to hear Mel for too long. I am curious to see who’s gonna be on stage for the results (it’s usually two hosts or max 3 hosts). I… Read more »
Mel doing the final. Dear god.
Loreen song is good! Similar Euphoria
Bring the shame bell! 😀
Terrible terrible choice Graham Norton isn’t funny can be very rude. Don’t even know who the actress is the one from Ukraine don’t know who she is a Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon this is the best that the BBC can come up with and why is Graham Norton not hosting the semi-finals to I bet they’re giving him millions for the final I’m really disappointed with the presenters but thank god Rylan Clark is not there
Who would be your choice, Dave?
If you are a fan of Eurovision then you should know that Julia Sanina is the leadsinger of the Hardkiss who have appeared in the Ukrainian national final several times.
I don’t like Graham either but he has supported Eurovision in recent years but he doesn’t look like a good host for a global show with different cultures. At least his role will be limited as he’s going to be doing the commentary during the performances. I wish they had chosen another male host.
Hello! A Ted Lasso Eurovision Episode plug will be marketing genius .
Wowza Hannah!!!!
And I’m hoping somebody from Doctor Who would be the spokesperson as a subtle way to honor the show’s 60th anniversary.
Are there any mutual connections?
Russell T Davies featured a Eurovision song in one of his other shows, during a murder. That’s all I can think of.
Imagine the pronunciation of their English being worse than the hosts of previous Eurovision editions.
I’m ecstatic for Julia
I loved Julia’s song with The Hardkiss, and still do. Any other year she would have represented Ukraine so nice to see her have this exposure
Julia Sanina is so attractive that, on this basis alone, I’ll say that I am perfectly content with this hosting team.
These seem like exciting choices. Hannah Waddingham and Alesha Dixon have strong musical/theatre/dance backgrounds between them, making me wonder if the BBC is aiming big for them to perform an interval act as memorable as Love Love Peace Peace? Delighted that Timur is involved too, though I would have liked to see him on stage.
Alesha doesn’t seem to be a Eurovision fan like Hannah so I am counting on Hannah because she is funny.
Okay so some predictable choices as well as some totally leftfield choices. I would have loved to have seen Rylan step up because he was a natural when he presented alongside (my other choice host) A J Odudu. Both were superb. I would’ve had A J over Alesha. Graham clearly loves Eurovision, and like Terry he’s become the backbone of the UK’s connection with the contest. He deserves his place up there. A missed trick is Alison Hammond, who’s style of presenting would have fitted in PERFECTLY in the green room intervals. Chaotic, funny and entertaining, she would’ve brought out… Read more »
Better choice Amanda Holden instead Graham.
Oh God no.
I’d of thought she would of been doing it over Alesha.
We already feel enough shame from her doing the points a couple years back, thank you very much rofl
How much money will they get for the job?
I wonder which one of them speaks french?
Hannah Wadingham does
So I guess Hannah will be doing the final scores possibly with Julia
thank god, so Hannah will be the main host to appear during the results too. She is stunning talented and funny.
Graham
Speaks fluent French
He doesn’t; take it from me
he speaks when he wants to make fun of the french
59 year old Irishman, same as Terry Wogan in 1998. Tradition.
BBC can’t find someone from the UK hahaha
It should have been Rylan and AJ Odudu (2 UK) and Timur Miroshnychenko and Julia (2 Ukrainian) with Scott Mills and Graham Norton staying in the comms box for the semis and final respectively. Instead, we’ve got this…
They should’ve got Alison Hammond in the green room….they’ve missed a trick, that woman would have made the backstage show a memorable one with her antics!
Also agreed…..they should’ve stepped Rylan up and given him his moment. A J Odudu would’ve been a great host also.
speaking of antics, i doubt BBC wants to create a chaotic atmosphere in the green room.
Yeah, boring, roll on Tel Aviv 2024. These oldies are unlikely to bring in the youth demographic. And what had Dixon got to warrant “big money”? She is a more likely contestant.
Dixon is a widely popular television personality hosting big shows in the UK but i do agree that she was a random choice.
Tel Aviv had some really boring and annoying hosts.
Rylan is a pretty bad host and he doesn’t have experience with global shows.He can host a Eurovision party though.
AJ Odudu has a very thick accent so she’s a big no.
Timur should have been the male host instead of Graham.
Scott Mills is not a good commentator so he can stay in the semifinals.
I’ll watch because of Hannah. At home we watch Ted Lasso and we cannot wait for the third season.
I can safely say that apart from Graham Norton, the 3 other presenters are a complete shock. Julia, Alicia and Hannah look multi talented (singing, dancing) and I have seen Alicia present prime time on tv, so the omens look good. Loving the unexpected surprise announcement, hope the rest of the Eurovision lead up follows this route!
My bad, it’s Alesha
I’m sorry 3 women without any single man during the semi doesn’t feel right. Whenever we had all the same gender hosts the show wasn’t that good (2015,2017, 2018). If we didn’t have Laura last year it wouldn’t have been it, even if I love Alessandro and Mika. At least we have Graham in the grand final. I hope he will announce the winner too.
Downvote as much as you want, women have been worse hosts than men in past at ESC. Except Petra.
Hannah Waddingham was in Hocus Pocus 2, so that’s enough to qualify her for me. Graham Norton is the only other one I know, not that it matters. The other two look like they will be good too. I love Mel Giedroyc, but can’t play BBC Player, but hopefully it pops up on YouTube. Nice choices all round, BBC, well done.
I knew Hannah from Hocus Pocus haha and she’s the most interesting one for me. Funny stunning and talented.
Don’t like Alesha! Never heard of this Julia character. Happily surprised about Hannah. Graham was too obvious. I cannot believe AJ Odudu isn’t hosting ?
julia is the lead singer of the hardkiss who placed 2nd to jamala in vidbir
Julia was in the Ukrainian jury for the national final this year. She is very popular in Ukraine.
Odudu is not hosting, no. Thank god.
I am okay with these choices. Graham Norton is a natural, even if predictable choice. This man really loves Eurovision, so I’m happy for him. I have no idea how good of a host Hannah is, but she’s such a charismatic actress that I assume she’ll do well. Alesha and Julia also seem okay. Of course, I’d it to be 2:2 of Brits and Ukrainians, but I guess that BBC and Suspilne have considered all the options, and they have informations we don’t. And of course, Mel will do a smashing job behind the scenes. Her hosting UK’s small budget… Read more »
I agree that 2 hosts (plus third one for backstage) are usually enough. I hope that this arrangement will pan out well.
People complaining about this lineup, and about Graham Norton in particular, is definitive proof that some people would complain about anything.
I can’t believe that we’re living in a timeline where Eurovision is hosted by Graham Norton and yet that there are people complaining about it.
Maybe I’m mistaken, but wasn’t Graham Norton, Alesha Dixon and Hannah Waddingham all judges of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK? A slightly odd auditioning process for Eurovision.
I think it’s too early to comment as we know that so much comes down to the chemistry between the presenters rather than just the individual personalities. I remain optimistic!
I’m a brit, and have to say I’m surprised and disappointed that they have supposedly offered Alesha a big money offer to host. I like her, but not for eurovision. I have met her, and she is very lovely, but I know for sure she doesn’t even like eurovision. I was so hoping AJ, Ryland, Mel and Timur would have been the hosts, they would have been halarious and fun to watch.
Alesha Dixon is utterly talentless and only has one value, that of looking relatively good, and that is NOT a qualification needed to host this massive show.
I see she was/is a judge on Britain’s Got Talent, on ITV, which probably means she is contractually obliged to not like Eurovision, considering they are on at the same time.
Is liking Eurovision necessary? Like for most hosts, hosting Eurovision is just another hosting gig. Back in the days it was even done by newsreaders.
Well I think when we have a huge array of talent and media personalities in the UK, it would have been nice for those that actively support and enjoy eurovision to of been given the gig. I mean surely it would make their performance? Taking petra and måns as examples for Sweden.
I think that is an unnecessary and quite unprofessional requirement. Should the BBC measure that by checking their twitter accounts for hyped up tweets by media personalities? There’s not a single television program that works that way. I mean what makes you think these hosts don’t enjoy eurovision?
I think that’s quite an excessive comment from my view, there are quite a few very well know media personalities within the BBC who are avid fans of the show. And what’s wrong with wanting those people to be hosting the show that is made for eurovision fans? And definitely no need for the BBC to be checking twitter accounts lol, they have people on their media platforms talking about eurovision in some context a lot of the time.
I’d prefer a weatherman such as Tomasz Schafernaker
Where’s the news she’s been offered big money? Is it more than the others?
I’ll do your work for you 🙄
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/tv/britains-talents-alesha-dixon-offered-29253234
I think these are great choices, but I just hope that they all work well together on stage and have good chemistry. A lot of it will come down to the script writing, so fingers crossed they will all be given a chance to shine and I’m hoping there’s going to be a lot of British humour throughout the shows.
Can we make a law banning Mel from using the word “eurovish” during the UK commentary please!
i cringe every time i hear her saying eurovish, she makes the contest sound very cheap and a joke. i hope she’s changed now that the contest takes place in the UK and will be watched by at least 10 million people this year.
It should have been Julia + 2 ukrainians and Graham as a green room man or smth idk
Who comes up with an idea that the show needs 4 (!) hosts? Really 4? Why? It makes it look like a big industry. It is a show where most of the job is done by the international artists and groups.
Great set of hosts! I actually know all of them, which is very exciting. Alesha was fantastic on Drag Race and I know she’ll bring the energy, and Graham is naturally funny which makes me hopeful for the joke-parts of the hosting. So far, the UK has been a fantastic host!
What’s with this old man and what’s his role in this equation? It should have been Rylan among those 3 young, beautiful ladies…
nah this is is graham norton we’re talking about move along
Graham Norton is a legend and we’re all blessed for witnessing a Eurovision hosted by him.
Rylan is annoying as sin! So happy he isn’t on the list
Me two why 4 hosts why just have 2
GTFO!
Quite apt that Hannah Waddington is presenting. This is just a (partial) joke here, but wIth the array of entries we have thus far, I see the gif of her saying “Shame! Shame! Shame!” from GoT rather fitting right now 😀
I get it’s hosted in England, but it does feel a bit “we put the UK in Ukraine!”
I mean in most decisions that have been made until now you can clearly see ukraine in the forefront. Is it really a big deal that we have one thing where in the host country is more visible?
I doubt that Ukraine has anything to do with these decisions. Most likely this is the influence of the EBU. They understand that Ukraine is now probably the most popular country in the world and everyone wants to see those whom they supported last year.
It’s held in the U.K. the U.K. is paying for it. I don’t recall Katie Boyle being told she needs to step aside for someone from Luxembourg. And i don’t recall the monegasque flag on the 1972 logo.
I don’t understand why people are making a big deal that the host country has presenters from the host nation.
The UK, or rather, the BBC, is not the one just paying for it. Sponsors, local governments, and participating broadcasters all contribute to the funding of the Contest.
And it is still paid for by British money provided by British taxpayers. So logically they should have more saying then they currently do. Certainly more than Ukraine who do not pay anything..
UA:PBC still has to pay for its participation in Eurovision.
yes, like other broadcasters wishing to participate. But that’s it. They pay the participation fee, nothing more.
The Negatives: I think I would have prefered TWO Ukrainian hosts and TWO British hosts, with there being an equal number of men to women. Norton isn’t known for being very masculine. In addition, he isn’t a great host. Alesha Dixon feels like a bit of a random choice/plug in
The Positives: The Ukrainian presenter and a chance for the other two ladies to overshadow Norton. Also, I VASTLY prefer Mel Giedroyc’s personality to Norton’s. I would actually prefer her to commentate full time. Norton gets on my nerves and Mel and Sue were ICONIC back in their hayday.
Honestly I’m really excited for Mel to be commentating the grand final. I watched some of the old semi finals that she commentated and she did a really good job there so it’s hardly a downgrade from Graham
wtf is this comment? “Norton isn’t known for being very masculine.”
Guess what he is really funny and a good entertainer so that’s what we need 🙂
Guess what, most eurofans arent very masculine either lmao
Why British hosts? Wasn’t Ukraine the winner last year?
Are Ukraine hosting it? Are they paying to host it?
The show should reflect who won and not just be taken by a country to promote itself. Then the UK just has to win if they want to host Eurovision.
They were not ” taken” there. They got second place which made them the next in line to host. Which is why EBU asked them and they accepted. Which means BBC pays for it and decides who gets to host
This is the 7th time when a country is hosting a Eurovision due to the winner the previous year being unable to host themselves. In none of the previous times you had a host as an empty vessle and financial backer for enabling the country who couldn’t host to do so but in a different location. Nor should it be the case. The norm is that the winner gets the chance to host, and if they can’t then usually the second place hosts. The UK this year seems to be including and accomodating last year’s winner more so than any… Read more »
This is not the same at all. The other six times was a choice. This is not.
How was it different? BBC was chosen to host when others could not, usually because they were runners up. Never once was it ” on behalf on last years winner”. It was BBC, thats it
One reason is that the EBU will not allow Ukraine to host, that was not the case with the other times. They turned it down, that’s it.
This is the first time I agree with you Jonas. Today must be a historic day
What is funny is that never before was it on behalf of last years winner. It was just winner can not do it, BBC can. You did not see Monaco making demands on how the show should be. Why EBU wants to force Ukraine to take over everything in a show they do not pay for is beyond anybody
It’s not beyond me. There’s a war, maybe you haven’t heard.
Lets not act like we dont all know why the “won”
yes they won because they had a very good song :)) are you still trying to say 1 year after, that they won because of the war? lmao
These hosts are quite lacklustre, given the array of people in the UK that can do it like Davina McCall or from the Ukraine; Timur Miroshnychenko. This line up feels very bargin basement, we all knew that Graham was very likely given the fact he is the voice of the commentary for the UK final coverage. But, after Alesha and Hannah are just really poor choices, Alesha who is only really known for a few hits in the 2000s. Hannah Waddingham, the only thing I know her from is from Game Of Thrones, I just don’t feel that she fits… Read more »
Davina’s not good, but I agree with you about Ukraine.
It’s not really fair to judge Hannah just on the one thing you know her from. She’s much more than that! The first Elphaba in the West End “Wicked”, for example. A voice like Laura Pausini’s, and she did okay.
Sorry to be that person, but the original West End cast of Wicked had Idina Menzel in the role of Elphaba. I know as I saw it (but might be showing my age with that comment!)
You are right. My mistake. I seem to be thinking of the wicked witch in “The Wizard of Oz”, which is the same character, kinda. Both green anyway.
Nice! Such a stand out performance in musical theatre. Must have been awesome!
Word on the street is that Idina sang “In Your Eyes” before Niamh Kavanagh. The songwriter, Jimmy Walsh, is a New Yorker. He hired an unknown Idina to do the demo, which he then sent to RTÉ. Jimmys know their stuff.
What a nice backstory! Niamh Kavanagh said she only realised in 2017 that the Idina on the demo was a young Idina Menzel.
Alesha only known for a few hits?
Apart from winning strictly come dancing and being a judge for several years, being a judge on Britains got talent, and host of greatest dancer, comic relief and probably much more I can’t remember?
Timur is an excellent commentator because of his velvety voice and encyclopedic knowledge of Eurovision, but he is not very good as a host. Julia is very charismatic, energetic, she is used to the big stage and working with a large audience. I’m sure she’ll be a great host.
I think this will be the first time that Israel will be last in the order of performances in the semi-final, and I understand that! Mainly because Noa is the most interesting thing in Eurovision this year.
Noa, I know you’re not reading this but hopefully a restraining order is in place. x
2017 semi final 2 says hey.
I’m waiting for tomorrow, to hear Loreen‘s song, I’m sure it will sound similar to “Euphoria”, which is great because it doesn’t renew anything, boring and banal and so the way will be clear for Noa Kirel‘s victory, excellent!
Stop trolling. You’re giving Noa a bad name.
I’m saying this because he’s seemingly trying to make propaganda for her or something creepy like that. I don’t see how it’s achieving anything but possibly turning people off about her.
No, the winner will either be Käärjä from Finland or JANN from Poland
You can watch Ted Lasso to get yourself acquaintanted with her. 🙂
All i keep thinking is i wish and hope somewhere along the BBC acknowledge Eurovision and Liverpool born star Sonia UK 1993. Prior to Liverpool winning she was all over the BBC it would be nice if she receive some form of nod maybe a semi final performance!
It would be nice to acknowledge the UK’s 16 runner up entries.
I’m hoping they [the BBC] do a documentary about them, hosted by Sam Ryder.
Absolutely totally agree. Think that fact is often overlooked due to UK recent poorest history. I singled out Sonia due to her connection to Liverpool would welcome to see the other near misses. The Netherlands and Italy did acknowledge their previous winners at least.
Great hosting line-up! I’m kinda surprised Graham actually wanted to host, but at the same time I’m relieved.
I wasn’t surprised giving there was a setup for Terry Wogan to host and commentate in the 1998 contest.
That too, I just remember him saying he didn’t want to host and just carry on with commentary. Guess he changed his mind.
God, you sound like my mum saying that…
Alesha Dixon must have a great agent
Probably she knows something about the BBC we don’t know…
With three singers, hoping this means there are plans afoot for Love Love Peace Peace 2.0 in the interval.
(Think we can assume Graham is not a singer).
If RuPaul can have a successful singing career then I guess anything is possible. Thanks autotune!
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