This 12 months’s Eurovision Tune Contest acquired off to a unbelievable begin on Tuesday night time as the primary semi-final was held in Liverpool.
In honour of Eurovision’s return to the UK for the primary time in 25 years – the place we’re internet hosting on behalf of Ukraine following Kalush Orchestra’s victory in 2022 – the 2 semi-final phases are being proven on BBC One for the primary time.
When the present acquired underway, there was one emotional second that actually acquired viewers feeling emotional.
The primary semi-final opened with a particular video montage that includes some well-known faces who hail from each the North West and Ukraine.
Amongst them was Paul O’Grady, who recorded his transient cameo shortly earlier than his demise on the finish of March, on the age of 67.
True to his character, the late speak present host was seen carrying one in every of his beloved canine and smiling on the digital camera in his transient posthumous look.
And though Paul’s on-screen second could have been transient, it nonetheless acquired a giant response from these watching alongside at dwelling…
A BBC press launch beforehand defined: “This is among the final issues Paul filmed earlier than he handed away final month and his look within the movie was agreed with the blessing of his household and associates.
“Paul took half on this movie as he wished to mark his pleasure in his dwelling area of Liverpool internet hosting the competition on behalf of 2022 winners Ukraine.”
Different well-known faces to look within the montage included nationwide treasure Ricky Tomlinson, paying homage to his Brookside character, Strictly Come Dancing skilled Nikita Kuzmin and Nice British Bake Off choose Paul Hollywood – oh, and the newly-crowned King Charles, in fact (contemporary from his American Idol cameo).
A complete of 15 acts carried out in Tuesday night time’s semi-final, with 10 making it by means of to the following stage of the competitors.
On Thursday, 16 extra will compete for the remaining 10 spots within the remaining, which is able to air reside on Saturday night time on BBC One.
