BBC announce Eurovision special following 2020 cancellation
Graham Norton will host 'Eurovision: Come Together' on Saturday 16 May after this year’s contest was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
By Tim Heap
Eurovision fans now have something to look forward to as the BBC has announced it will air a special compilation programme on the evening this year’s finale, Saturday 16 May.
The 2020 Eurovision Song Contest was due to be held in Rotterdam, following the Netherland’s win last year, but has been cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The BBC released a statement about wider upcoming programming in light of the situation, and says Eurovision: Come Together will “feature classic Eurovision performances, a look at what would have been in 2020 and entertaining interviews, including this year’s UK entry James Newman”.
BBC Director-General Tony Hall says, “We can all still have a Eurovision moment, even if it is different from the past. Our pledge is [to] offer the best escapism, fun and distraction we can, alongside the news and information everyone needs.”
A similar approach is being taken for Glastonbury, which had to cancel it’s planned 50th anniversary festival.
Other programming includes The Graham Norton Show – “not quite as usual but still featuring the biggest stars and best stories” – and Drag Race UK’s The Vivienne will be popping up on BBC Three as she embarks on a Hollywood adventure for her winner’s series.
Eurovision: Come Together airs on the BBC on Saturday 16 May.