The BBC have revealed the full line-up for their coverage of the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest. The line-up features many familiar as well as new faces to provide a full package of coverage for Eurovision this year on both TV and online channels. The last Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final to be broadcast on BBC One in 2019 was the most watched music programme on the BBC that year and it was the most popular music TV show of the year amongst 16-34s.
BBC One and BBC Radio 2
Graham Norton will return for the Grand Final on BBC One, where he will be commentating live from Rotterdam. Thsi will be the presenter’s 12th Eurovision Song Contest on BBC One. Ken Bruce will continue his long-running coverage of the contest on BBC Radio 2.
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!
Graham Norton
Radio 2 is getting right behind Eurovision 2021 with shows galore to delight all the fans. We’re all so delighted the competition is back this year. On the night I’ll be presenting the live show from my hot seat at Wogan House – bringing listeners all the entries, all the drama and, of course, the ultimate winner! Will it be the UK’s year to finally win again? I can’t wait to find out!’
Ken Bruce
The Semi-Finals on BBC Four
Rylan Clark-Neal and Scott Mills return for the semi-finals live on BBC Four. Newly joining them will be Grammy-nominated singer songwriter and presenter, Chelcee Grimes. They will be presenting their commentary live from London, covering the semi-finals on the 18th and 20th May. UK viewers will be able to vote in the second semi-final.
There was a big Eurovision shaped hole in my life last year, so I am super excited to see what everyone brings to the table for 2021 – it’s the best time of the year! I am looking forward to being reunited with Scott for the semi-finals and to welcome Chelcee to the team! Plus ‘Embers’ is an absolute tune – I can’t wait!’
Rylan Clark-Neal
Eurovision week is my favourite of the year and I cannot wait for the biggest entertainment show on the planet to return! Although we won’t be in Rotterdam ourselves, Rylan, Chelcee and I will definitely make sure we’re still throwing the ultimate can’t miss celebration for this year’s semi-finals
Scott Mills
I am super excited to be joining the Eurovision family, I can’t wait to host the semi-finals alongside Scott and Rylan, it’s going to be awesome. I have always been a fan of Eurovision, and I can’t wait to be a part of it. I’m looking forward to seeing all the weird and wonderful performances, as well as cheering on my mate James who is waving the flag for the UK! James and I have written together for a previous Eurovision winner and we’ve also penned some songs for the Romanian entrant so he is the best person for the job. JAMES TO WIN!’
Chelcee Grimes
“12 points go to…”
Actress, singer and talent show judge Amanda Holden will be taking on the role as Eurovision Spokesperson for the United Kingdom. On the Grand Final she will present the UK professional jury vote live from London. Amanda will follow from a long list of famous faces who have presented the UK points, including Nigella Lawson, Mel Giedroyc, Richard Osman, Alex Jones, Cheryl Baker, Katrina Leskanich (Katrina & The Waves), and Lorraine Kelly.
What an honour to announce the UK’s votes this year. I’m utterly thrilled. It’s an ambition ticked after 45 years of watching it! Now, what to wear…
Amanda Holden
New online videos from BBC Eurovision
Today the BBC also launches one of their new online videos. Called Ready, Steady, Eurovision, the show features Rylan Clark-Neal, James Newman and TV chef Rustie Lee. Rylan talks through his favourite Eurovision performances, whilst Rustie cooks up some classic Dutch dishes. Later this month will see the release of Eurovision and Chill on the BBC social channels, where Lady Leshurr and Rob Rinder watch some of this years entries and give their expert opinion
James Newman – ‘Embers’
James Newman is representing the United Kingdom with “Embers”, a song written by Newman himself, as well as Conor Blake, Danny Shah, Tom Hollings and Samuel Brennan. Grammy nominated songwriter Conor Blake had major international hits with Italian trio Meduza. Danny Shah has worked with David Guetta, Kylie Minogue and had four UK number-one hits as a songwriter. Samuel Brennan wrote songs to former Spice Girl Melanie C and French DJ Hugel among others.
The BBC, the UK’s broadcaster, left fans waiting for a long time for news about their representative. James Newman had already expressed interest in returning to the contest, but his return was only confirmed by the BBC in mid-February. Newman’s 2020 entry “My Last Breath” was not allowed to compete again, following the rules of the EBU, thus creating the new 2021 entry “Embers”.
What do you think of the line-up? Have BBC selected the right people for their Eurovision coverage? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to see our reactions to the news in the upcoming months.
