'Ciao Italia, this is Salford calling': Greater Manchester to host Eurovision scores for first time

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Salford is about to make waves on the European music scene yet again — but it’s about as far removed from New Order and Happy Mondays as you can get.

That’s because the BBC is moving its Eurovision broadcasting hub to MediaCity in the city’s Quays. That means the UK’s scores will be delivered from the North West for the first time.

And the BBC has also revealed who will be telling Europe — and Australia — how Great Britain has voted. AJ Odudu will have the honour of telling the ceremony in Turin ‘Ciao Italia, this is SALFORD calling,’ on May 14.

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Bosses at the broadcasting corporation say the move is ‘fitting’, given the city’s music history. “The North West of England is famously renowned for its unrivalled musical heritage not just in the UK but across the globe, so it is fitting that from now on the region will be part of the biggest music contest on the planet,” Rachel Ashdown, Commissioning Editor at the BBC, said.

Suzy Lamb, Managing Director BBC Studios Entertainment added: “We are so thrilled to continue building the expertise and skillset of our production hub in the North. It will be so exciting to welcome the global Eurovision audience to the North West with ‘Good Evening From Salford in Greater Manchester’.”

Last year, Måneskin’s won the contest with “Zitti e buoni”, taking the crown back to Italy for the first time in 31 years. The semi-finals will be held on Tuesday, May 10, and Thursday, May 12. The Grand Final — which the UK gains automatic entry to — is on Saturday, May 14.

The British entrant this year is Sam Ryder, and is currently ranked fourth-favourite to win. Ukraine is currently the hot favourite to take the crown.

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