The organiser of the Eurovision Song Contest has said it is in talks with the BBC to "potentially host" the event in the UK, after ruling next year's contest cannot be held in Ukraine.
Traditionally, each year's winning country hosts the competition the following year. Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra, a folk-rap group, won the competition in Turin, Italy, last month.
Ukraine has condemned the European Broadcasting Union's decision to strip it of the right to host next year's Eurovision song contest on security grounds after Russia's invasion.
"We will demand to change this decision, because we believe that we will be able to fulfill all the commitments... We demand additional negotiations on hosting Eurovision-2023 in Ukraine," Ukrainian Minister of Culture Oleksandr Tkachenko said.
The EBU, which organises the spectacle, said following a "full assessment and feasibility study" it had concluded the "security and operational guarantees" required to host the event cannot be fulfilled by Ukraine's public broadcaster UA:PBC.
The EBU said it was "sad and disappointed" the contest cannot be held in the war-torn country.
"The EBU has been supporting UA:PBC across a whole range of areas since the invasion. We will ensure this support continues so UA:PBC can maintain the indispensable service they provide to Ukrainians," it said.
"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 UK.
"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."
If the UK does host the contest in 2023, it would be the ninth time it has done so — more than any other country.
"We have seen the announcement from the EBU. Clearly these aren't a set of circumstances that anyone would want. Following their decision, we will of course discuss the BBC hosting the Eurovision Song Contest," the BBC said.
The UK's Sam Ryder topped the jury vote in Turin but Kalush Orchestra went on to win overall after a symbolic show of public support which saw them soar to first place with 631 points.
They had been the frontrunners since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February, which prompted organisers to ban the Russian entrant from competing.
“I ask all of you, please help Ukraine, Mariupol. Help Azovstal, right now,” frontman Oleg Psiuk said moments after their win, to the live crowd of about 7,500, many of whom gave a standing ovation, and a global television audience of millions.
Ukraine joined the international contest in 2003 and its three wins make it one of the most successful of the newer competitor countries — having also triumphed in 2004 and 2016.
— Additional reporting by PA News
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Kalush Orchestra from Ukraine perform during the first semi-final of the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest in Turin, Italy. Reuters -
Leading bookmakers on fan site Eurovisionworld have installed Kalush Orchestra as the runaway favourites at this year's competition. EPA -
After their energetic performance, Kalush Orchestra thanked everyone for supporting Ukraine amid the Russian invasion. EPA -
Hosts Italian television and radio presenter Alessandro Cattelan and singer Laura Pausini with Italian singers Blanco and Mahmood on stage. EPA -
S10 from the Netherlands performs to clinch a place in the final. Reuters -
Laura Pausini kisses co-host Mika during the first semi-final. Reuters -
The international song contest has two semi-finals, this year being held at the PalaOlimpico indoor stadium. EPA -
Italian singer Diodato performs during the first semi-final. EPA -
Seventeen countries took part in the first semi-final. EPA -
Ten countries advanced to the final at the end of the first semi-final, with seven countries with the lowest votes out of the competition. EPA -
Maro from Portugal performs 'Saudade saudade'. EPA -
Amanda Georgiadi Tenfjord from Greece performs her song 'Die Together'. EPA -
It was the end of the Eurovision journey for the seven countries who received the lowest votes — Albania, Latvia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark and Austria. EPA -
Systur (Sigga, Beta and Elan) from Iceland perform their song 'Med Haekkandi Sol'. EPA -
Lumix & Pia Maria from Austria perform their song 'Halo'. EPA -
Intelligent Music Project from Bulgaria with the song 'Intentions'. EPA -
Monika Liu from Lithuania with the song 'Sentimental'. EPA -
Zdob si Zdub and Advahov Brothers from Moldova. Reuters -
Semi-final hosts Alessandro Cattelan, Laura Pausini and Lebanese-British singer Mika. EPA -
A total of 18 countries will take the stage at the second semi-final on Thursday, where 10 will reach Saturday's final, which will feature performances from 25 countries. EPA -
The PalaOlimpico indoor stadium in Turin, Italy. EPA -
Intelligent Music Project from Bulgaria with the song 'Intentions'. EPA -
Mia Dimsic from Croatia performs her song 'Guilty Pleasure'. EPA -
Mia Dimsic from Croatia. Reuters -
LPS (Last Pizza Slice) from Slovenia. EPA -
Rosa Linn from Armenia performs her song 'Snap'. EPA -
Ronela Hajati from Albania with the song 'Sekret'. EPA -
Citi Zeni from Latvia with the song 'Eat Your Salad'. EPA -
The semi-final featured some classic Eurovision-style performances, including Norway's Subwoolfer, who reached the final. EPA -
Norway's Subwoolfer performed their song 'Give That Wolf A Banana' dressed in their signature all-black outfits featuring yellow wolf-head masks. EPA -
Moldova's Zdob si Zdub and Advahov Brothers with the song 'Trenuletul'. EPA -
Russia was barred by organisers the day after it invaded Ukraine in late February. Reuters -
Reddi from Denmark with the song 'The Show'. EPA -
Dancers perform during the first semi-final. Reuters -
Favourites Kalush Orchestra from Ukraine celebrate reaching the final. AP -
Italian television presenter Alessandro Cattelan, left, taps hands with her compatriot, singer Blanco, as Italian singers Mahmood and Laura Pausini look on during the first semi-final. AFP -
Norway's Subwoolfer with the song 'Give That Wolf a Banana' perform during the first semi-final of the 66th annual song contest. EPA -
Members of Ukraine's band 'Kalush Orchestra' celebrate their final qualification. AFP -
Hosts Alessandro Cattelan, Laura Pausini and Mika gesture on stage. Reuters -
Italy's Diodato, centre. AP -
Italy is hosting this year's competition after rock band Maneskin triumphed at the 2021 contest. The group will perform their new single 'Supermodel' at the final on Saturday. AFP -
Intelligent Music Project from Bulgaria singing 'Intention'. AP -
Citi Zeni from Latvia. Reuters
