The UK will host the Eurovision Song Contest next year, it has been announced.
Organisers decided that the winning country, Ukraine, could not host the show because of the ongoing conflict brought on by Russia’s invasion.
Talks with the BBC were started, as the UK had come second.
“We are grateful to our BBC partners for showing solidarity with us,” said Mykola Chernotytskyi, head of Ukraine’s public broadcaster, UA:PBC.
Although the host city has not yet been chosen, cities including Glasgow and Manchester have showed interest.
The UK boasts a variety of locations with appropriate arenas, accommodation, and connections to international transportation.
Other cities that might be considered include Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, Birmingham, Aberdeen, London, Brighton, Bristol, Belfast, and Cardiff.
Cities will need to demonstrate that they have the necessary facilities before participating in the bidding process, which will start this week.
In order to publish the longlist later this summer, the BBC and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) will now wait for official approaches.
As is customary for the victor, Ukraine will also join the so-called Big Five, which also includes the UK, in qualifying for the Grand Final.
UA: PBC and the BBC will collaborate to create the show’s Ukrainian components.
Even though the competition won’t take place there, Mr. Chernotytskyi continued, it will still be “in support of Ukraine”.
“I am confident that together we will be able to add Ukrainian spirit to this event and once again unite the whole of Europe around our common values of peace, support, celebrating diversity and talent.”