This is the moment Graham Norton suffered a toe-curling blunder when he accidentally revealed which British city had won its bid to host Eurovision in front of hundreds of thousands of BBC viewers.
Norton, who hosts the BBC’s coverage, tried to build excitement during a special edition of The One Show tonight, with viewers waiting to see if Liverpool or Glasgow would host the event.
‘They’ve told me to build the drama, I just want to tear it up!’ Norton said ahead of the reveal.
He proceeded to open his silver envelope before pulling out a card – but on the back of the card were the words ‘Eurovision Song Contest, Great Britain, Liverpool 2023’.
Graham Norton suffered a toe-crushing blunder when he accidentally revealed prematurely which British city had won its bid to host Eurovision
He proceeded to open his silver envelope before pulling out a card – but on the back of the card were the words ‘Eurovision Song Contest, Great Britain, Liverpool 2023’
Unaware of the gaffe, the chat show host tried to keep the tension up a little longer before announcing Liverpool as the host.
Social media users were quick to point out the mistake, with one tweeting: ‘Amazing scenes during the Eurovision announcement as Graham Norton builds some excitement before the big reveal… holding a card that says “Liverpool 2023”.’
Another wrote ‘literally right in front of us’, while one tweet read: ‘no graham norton took the time to announce the host city when we could see it on the map’.
The international music show takes place at the Liverpool Arena and culminates with the grand finale on Saturday 13 May.
Eurovision is being held in the UK after this year’s winner, Ukraine, was deemed unable to host due to the Russian invasion.
Liverpool is gearing up for months of work to produce the ‘best party ever’ when it hosts Eurovision next year.
The city has been preparing its bid since June and those behind the plans say ‘hundreds and hundreds of hours’ have been spent devising a plan which celebrates this year’s winner Ukraine, which is unable to host because of the Russian invasion.
As well as the competition itself, a full cultural program will be put on to welcome Eurovision to Merseyside.
Street art, fashion and community education are all set to get involved in the festivities.
Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson said: ‘This is a massive event and the eyes of the world will be on us in May, especially on our friends in Ukraine.
‘Now begins months of work to throw the best party ever.
“Ukraine, you have my promise, we will make you proud.”
The city is already famous for music as the birthplace of The Beatles.
Its relationship with sister city Odesa in Ukraine is also said to have played a key role in the decision to choose it as host.
The city council said its Eurovision plans will celebrate the Ukrainian people and society.
There are also plans to celebrate Merseyside native Sonia, who came second in Eurovision in 1993 when she sang Better The Devil You Know.
Cutouts of the singer will reportedly be placed around the city in a trail for fans to find.
The competition will be located on the city’s waterfront, the site of the M&S Bank Arena and the ACC Liverpool conference centre, which hosted the Labor Party conference last month.
Following the announcement Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Liverpool City Region, said: ‘While we faced stiff competition from Glasgow who deserve more than the zero points they have received on this occasion, nowhere is more experienced or qualified and nowhere holds a party just like we do.
‘We want to put on a show that Ukraine would be proud of and we’ve been working closely with Liverpool’s sister city Odesa to make sure this is their event as much as our own.
‘Now the hard work begins. Putting on a show that will give millions a night they will never forget in one of the most turbulent and trying years for our continent is no small feat.
‘If anywhere is capable of it, it’s Liverpool City Region, with a little help from our friends in Ukraine.’
Host City: Liverpool is famous for its musical heritage, with the city known as the birthplace of The Beatles (The Beatles statue pictured in the city)
Sights: The Liver Building in Liverpool is pictured as BBC’s The One Show has announced that Liverpool will host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest
Attention: Thousands of people will flock to Liverpool to take part in the competition with millions more watching on TV and online after 161 million tuned in this year (Liverpool marina pictured)
Director-General of the competition’s British broadcaster, the BBC, Tim Davie, said of Liverpool’s victory: ‘Congratulations to Liverpool.
“We have had some incredible bids to host the Eurovision Song Contest and I am thrilled that Liverpool, the undisputed capital of pop music and full of its energy and enthusiasm, will be hosting the event in 2023.
“Of course, it will be the Ukrainians as hosts, but I am sure that we will do them justice, the wonders of Ukrainian culture, and in partnership we will create something that is really special.
Well done: The director-general of the competition’s British broadcaster, the BBC, Tim Davie, said of Liverpool’s victory: ‘Congratulations to Liverpool. We have received some incredible offers’
‘So many, many congratulations. It’s been a tough competition, but you’ve earned the win and we’re all thrilled.
‘I am looking forward to the preparations and a very special event in 2023.’
A spokesman for Liverpool City Council said: “Liverpool’s Eurovision team will now begin to put their plans into action, which include working with Ukrainian street artists and fashion designers, creating a Liverpool/Ukraine community education program and developing plans to host a special cultural trail with Eurovision and Scouse legend Sonia.
‘A dedicated website will be developed in the coming weeks, as well as more details on how people can get involved in the run up to and during the event.’