5 MINUTES WITH...
Scott Mills and Rylan Clark-Neal, who will be presenting BBC4’s coverage, as 33 countries compete for their place in the Eurovision Grand Final…
How does it feel to be back?
SCOTT, 47: It’s my favourite week of the year. I get to be in my happy place – which is commentating on the good and the bad music that the world has to offer.
RYLAN, 32: It feels so great to be back, we were all gutted last year when the contest had to be cancelled, but understood that safety is paramount. This year we need double the fun.
Why do you think people love Eurovision so much?
SCOTT: It’s just such a happy occasion. It is essentially the Olympics meets The X Factor, and after a year of bad news it’s the perfect tonic. The scale of Eurovision is ridiculous – it’s World Cup level, and that’s no exaggeration.
RYLAN: It’s just one big celebration and the perfect excuse to escape some realities we are living with at the minute. Your views on the UK entry?
SCOTT: It’s a banger! James has an insane voice so I’m hoping for good things.
RYLAN: James is so talented, and he’s got a great personality. I can’t wait to be cheering him on. What can we expect from the semi-finals?
SCOTT: They’re huge! The production is just as big as the Grand Final, and it’s exciting, as you get to see all the countries that don’t make it to the final.
RYLAN: Everything that fans know and love will be there. For viewers, it won’t feel different to any other year.
Finally, what will you be doing on Eurovision night?
SCOTT: I usually stay out in the host’s country for the Grand Final, but this year I’ll be having a Eurovision party at home if we’re allowed, and celebrating with a few friends.
RYLAN: I’ll probably be slightly merry, and we’ll leave it at that…