As the end of year draws closer and the BBC prepares to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Liverpool next May, the BBC have enlisted 2022 runner-up Sam Ryder and a host of Eurovision stars for a night of Eurovision celebration on New Year’s Eve and into New Year’s Day!
Sam Ryder to sing in the New Year
After a meteoric rise to stardom for the United Kingdom’s very own ‘Space Man’, Sam Ryder continues his mission to be a household name on British television in headlining the BBC’s annual New Year’s Eve party. Taking place on BBC One and the BBC iPlayer, Sam Ryder’s All Star New Year’s Eve will feature performances from Sam himself rocking into 2023. The show will also feature unique duets, including songs fresh and old, as the banks of the River Thames light up with music and fireworks.
I can’t think of a better way to round off 2022 than singing some of my favourite songs with some very special guests. It’s been such an incredible 12 months full of fabulous blessings thanks to fabulous people, and I’m so excited to bring in 2023 with you! As always, thank you for the opportunity!
Sam Ryder
Eurovision-themed specials on the BBC
Next May, the BBC will have the responsibility of hosting the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 on behalf of Ukraine. With the nations’ new found love for the contest after coming so close to glory in Turin, the BBC have stacked their end of the year schedule with plenty of Eurovision programming while everyone finishes the last of the mince pies and selection box chocolates.
First up, on December 30, is a Eurovision special of the famous quiz show, The Weakest Link. Former Eurovision stars and presenters Duncan James, Cheryl Baker, Sonia and Kate Robbins appear alongside Scott Mills, Tia Kofi, Lauren Layfield, and Sarah Cawood who will compete for a £50,000 jackpot for charity.
After Sam Ryder’s NYE special, Rylan will take over, as the celebrations continue long into the New Year with The Big Eurovision Party. As the name suggests, the event, which took place last month and was acquired by the BBC for UK broadcast, features the biggest Eurovision stars of past and present, such as Helena Paparizou (2005), Alexander Rybak (2009), Jamala (2016) and many more! Otherwise known as the Het Grote Songfestivalfeest, the event took place in Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome where Rylan reached out to the acts with exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews.
What better way to kick off the year of Eurovision in the UK than this incredible evening of programming on the BBC. The Big Eurovision Party is the perfect pre-party to the main event in May 2023 and we can’t wait to see new and existing fans enjoy the incredible music the Contest has to offer.
Rylan
BBC TV Schedule
- December 30 – The Weakest Link (Eurovision Special) (BBC One: 18:45 GMT)
- December 31 – Sam Ryder’s All Star New Year’s Eve Part 1 (BBC One: 23:30 GMT)
- January 1 – Sam Ryder’s All Star New Year’s Eve Part 2 (BBC One: 00:10 GMT)
- January 1 – The Big Eurovision Party (BBC One: 00:40 GMT)
Are you ready for a Eurovision New Year on the BBC? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram, @escxtra on TikTok and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify for the latest music from your favourite Eurovision acts. As well as YouTube to see our reactions to the news in the run up to the new Eurovision season.
