United Kingdom: BBC reveals its alternative Eurovision 2020 schedule
The BBC has scheduled a series of special shows that will be hitting the screen as part of an extensive program that will unfold this month replacing the cancelled Eurovision 2020 shows.
The British broadcaster will be airing a special show hosted by Graham Norton and an additional number of shows from May 11 and up to May 16. The BBC’s alternative program included the following:
- 11/05/2020- Dana The Original Derry Girl (BBC One Northern Ireland- 22:45 BST)
- 15/05/2020- Eurovision at 60 (BBC Four- 21:30 BST)
- 15/05/2020- Dana The Original Derry Girl ( BBC Four – 23:00 BST)
- 16/05/2020- Eurovision Come Together (BBC One – 18:30 BST)
- 16/05/2020- Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light (BBC One- 20:00 BST)
- 16/05/2020- The A-Z of Eurovision (BBC Two- 22:00 BST)
- 16/05/2020- Top2 goes to Eurovision (BBC Two- 22:30 BST)
Graham Norton says:
Eurovision offers a real escapism for people, which is something we need more than ever throughout these times. This year people at home can celebrate the amazing spirit of the event and hopefully get the chance to take their mind off the current situation for a few hours.
Eurovision at 60 (BBC Four)
BBC Four wants to contribute to convey the Eurovision Party – feeling showcasing the joy, craziness and intrigue that has defined the Eurovision Song Contest, through a show that aimed to celebrate the Eurovision Song Contest’s 60th anniversary back in 2015.
Eurovision- Come Together
A special Eurovision show ‘Eurovision- Come Together‘ will be aired on BBC One and hosted by Graham Norton on Saturday 16 May. The show will feature classic Eurovision performances, entertaining interviews, including this year’s British hopeful James Newman aiming to connect the people with the Eurovision spirit that would have seen that day before the cancellation. The Brits will have the chance to select their favorite entries in a live vote a short list compiled by experts and outstanding personalities of the fan community.
Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light (BBC One)
The British broadcaster joins the list of 46 broadcasters that will be airing the special show ‘Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light’ set for May 16. The show is co-produced by EBU and the three Dutch Eurovision 2020 host broadcasters (AVROTROS, NOS, NPO) and is aiming to honor the 41 ESC 2020 representatives that were deprived the chance to perform in Rotterdam due to the coronavirus outbreak. Several past ESC winners have been confirmed to take part in the show among which , Katrina and the Waves (UK 1997) , Helena Paparizou (Greece 2005) and Marija Serifovic ( Serbia 2007) .
The show will be hosted by Chantal Janzen, Edsilia Rombley and Jan Smit . Stephane Bern will be the French commentator for the show, while present will be several former French Eurovision representatives and commentators during his commentary.
The A-Z of Eurovision (BBC Two)
Rylan Clark-Neal will be unwinding for the British audience a compilation of highlights from BBC Studios approaching the contest from an alternative angle.
Going through the letters of the alphabet, each letter will be standing for a different highlighted moment or element or act of the contest. The A-Z of Eurovision will feature all the memorable musical moments from 65 years of Eurovision.
TOP2 Goes Eurovision! (BBC Two)
First shown ahead of the 2007 Contest, Steve Wright will be presenting a special Eurovision-themed edition of the show, during which several songs of the ESC star will be featured. Acts such as Cliff Richard, Lulu, Bucks Fizz, Sandie Shaw, Brotherhood of Man, Johnny Logan and ABBA, plus 2007’s UK entrants, Scooch. will be some of the show highlights!
The United Kingdom had internally selected James Newman to represent the country at the Eurovision 2020 in Rotterdam with his entry My Last Breath.
