Eurovision 2023: Glasgow named bookies’ favourite to host competition

The European Broadcasting Union confirmed they will now “begin discussions” with the BBC over the UK hosting next year’s event. Speculation has amped up that Glasgow could be the city chosen to host the iconic competition.

Glasgow has been named the bookies’ favourite to host the Eurovision Song Context next year.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) yesterday released a statement confirming that they will now “begin discussions” with the BBC over the UK potentially hosting next year’s event – which will be the 67th edition of the contest.

Since then, speculation has amped up that Glasgow could be the city chosen to host Europe for the iconic competition in the Ovo Hydro.

Nicola Sturgeon was quick to offer up the city as a potential venue, tweeting: ‘We wish @Eurovision could be in Ukraine but understand that in circumstances this isn’t possible. However, I can think of a perfect venue on banks of the River Clyde!!

Now William Hill has made Glasgow 4/7 to favourites to take on the huge extravagant event, the Daily Record reports.

London and Birmingham make up the second and third favourites for the contest respectively by the bookmaker.

The odds of Edinburgh hosting the competition is 33/1.

William Hill spokesperson Tony Kenny said: “The UK looks like it could be hosting next year’s Eurovision and we’ve opened a market on which city might be chosen if the decision is made.

“Glasgow is the 4/7 favourite to be given the hosting duties, with London, perhaps unsurprisingly, another leading contender at 10/3.”

As winner of this year’s event in Turin back in May, Ukraine, was being lined up to host the competition next year as per tradition, which dictates that the winning country traditionally hosts the following year’s event.

However, due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the UK is being given the opportunity to play host to the 2023 event after finishing in second place thanks to Sam Ryder’s ‘Space-Man’ track.

The EBU statement reads: “The Eurovision song contest is one of the most complex TV productions in the world, with thousands working on, and attending, the event and 12 months of preparation time needed.”

It said, after a lengthy investigation, the required guarantees could not be provided by Ukraine’s public broadcaster and expressed “sadness and disappointment” that next year’s contest could not be held in Ukraine.

“As a result of this decision, in accordance with the rules and to ensure the continuity of the event, the EBU will now begin discussions with the BBC, as this year’s runner-up, to potentially host the 2023 Eurovision song contest in the United Kingdom.

“It is our full intention that Ukraine’s win will be reflected in next year’s shows. This will be a priority for us in our discussions with the eventual hosts.”

Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun for all the updates!