‘Safety first’: Norton upset as ‘we need Eurovision escapism more than ever’
EUROVISION host Graham Norton admits he’s upset the singing competition was cancelled this year, but added that “safety has to come first”.
The Cork TV star, who usually commentates on the contest for the BBC, will host the broadcaster’s replacement coverage, ‘Eurovision: Come Together’ on BBC One this Saturday, after the event in Rotterdam was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Talking about the cancellation, Norton (57) said: “I was very upset, we all were, but people’s safety has to come first of course.
“I always enjoy arriving in the host city and getting the chance to fully immerse myself in the excitement of the competition, there’s always a Eurovision fever that has taken over.
“I’m disappointed for the artists too and the teams that work behind them.
“They all work for so long to make this wonderful night of TV happen so it’s sad that the songwriters will also miss out on their time to showcase their songs to the audience.”
Gossip
He tipped “Iceland and those iconic jumpers” as an act he had been looking forward to seeing.
“I have to admit that there’s something nice about looking back at all the greatest Eurovision moments with my slippers and a glass of vino to hand.
“I can’t say I’ll miss the little hut where I normally commentate from, but I’ll certainly miss sharing gossip with my fellow commentators and getting to witness all the performances live,” he said.
‘Eurovision: Come Together’ will feature interviews and guests, and viewers in Britain can vote for their favourite Eurovision performance from an “eclectic shortlist”.
Norton added: “Eurovision offers a real escapism for people, which is something we need more than ever throughout these times.”
RTÉ is running its own highlights show on Saturday night too, with Marty Whelan taking viewers through the highs and lows of Eurovisions past.
It and the BBC show will be followed by the live event announced by Eurovision bosses as a replacement for the contest.
‘Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light’ features the performers who would have competed in the 2020 contest, singing from their home countries in a noncompetitive format.