Eurovision fans left 'emotional' over 'surreal' format shake-up in show first
The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 final kicked off on Saturday night, and viewers were thrilled by a shake-up.
Long-time commentator for the UK and the BBC Graham Norton was back, but this time things were very different.
Normally in his Eurovision booth commentating the proceedings, for the first time since he took on the role in 2009 Graham hosted the show in person.
He and three others presented the show, as it was live from the United Kingdom, Liverpool to be precise.
Britain's Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon, Ted Lasso actress Hannah Waddingham and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina joined Graham on stage for the ceremony as hosts.
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This year is the first time since Graham began commentating the Eurovision finals that the UK has hosted the ceremony.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 final kicked off on Saturday night (PA)So to see him on stage and presenting to the nation and to others around the world, viewers admitted it was "surreal".
Of course Graham divided his time between commentary in the booth and being on stage, so fans still got to hear his sassy feedback.
That said, many were "emotional" to see him finally on the stage after years of hosting behind-the-scenes for the UK.
Taking to Twitter, one fan said: "It's surreal seeing Graham Norton on the Eurovision stage after all this time; honestly never thought I'd see it happen! Love to see it."
Another fan said: "Did Graham Norton ever in his wildest dreams think he'd walk on the Eurovision stage. All these years commenting, it's deserved."
A third viewer said: "Bit emotional at Graham on the stage!" as a fourth tweeted: "I LOVE SEEING GRAHAM ON STAGE."
Long-time commentator for the UK and the BBC Graham Norton was back (Getty Images)Graham replaced former commentator Terry Wogan in 2009, while Terry was the official BBC commentator for Eurovision for 37 years across both radio and television.
Terry passed away in 2016, and Graham has often paid tribute to the much-loved TV star over the years during Eurovision.
The big event in Liverpool comes after TikTok star Sam Ryder bagged second place with his song SPACE MAN last year.
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Ukraine won Eurovision last year, meaning the nation faced the prospect of hosting the show in 2023, according to the rules of the competition.
However, due to the Russian invasion, it wasn't possible, as Eurovision organisers quickly ruled out staging it in the war-torn country.
The BBC agreed to host the competition in the UK in 2023 after Sam finished in second place – and Liverpool was picked as the host city to hold the star-studded event.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 is available to watch on BBC iPlayer now.
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