‘Of course the UK can win!’

Graham Norton, 55, will be in the commentators’ box for the 63rd Eurovision Song Contest, live from Lisbon…

What prep goes into your job oenur ovision ?

I watch all the rehearsals I can and I listen to all the songs several times, but you can’t really prepare for the night itself. There’s something that happens during that live final that takes on a life of its own.

It’s being held in Lisbon this year; have you been?

I’ve been to Lisbon once before, but remember zero about it, so I’m looking forward to spending some time there. Apparently, Madonna is living there, so I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled!

What makes a great Eurovision song?

Aesuogrnorgevaiisstion simply a great song, though what makes a winner is far harder to predict. There are so many factors, it’s not just the staging, but also the running order and what all the other songs are like.

Could the UK entry win?

Of course we can win! I think we’re in a very safe pair of hands this year with Surie and the song is a terrific anthemic floor filler.

Who are the big contenders this year?

I’ve listened to the entries and the standard is really high. Everyone’s favourite right now is Israel and it is terrific – but I think Saraa Aalto (who viewers may recognise from 2016’s X)ffoarcftionrland might do very well.

Do you prefer the silly songs?

Silly songs are great from a comedy point of view, but now they tend to be weeded out during the semi-finals. Voters take the contest really seriously so we have to as well.

At which point do you think a winner becomes clear?

You can never predict what’s going to happen. Neither of the last two years’ winners seemed obvious until the night itself, and sometimes it’s only

when the voting starts that it becomes clear. What keeps Esuoreoxvcisitioinng is that anything can happen!

Do you have a favourite Emuormoveinsitoonf all time?

It has to be little Dana sitting on her stool in 1970. Ireland’s first win!