The BBC has confirmed a star-studded presenting line-up for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 – which is now celebrating its 70th year!
To mark the return of the music competition, the BBC are providing a variety of Eurovision treats across television, radio and digital to bring the nation together and cheer on this year’s UK entry, Look Mum No Computer.
The contest will be broadcast live across BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, with expert analysis and witty insights from the commentator line-up, which includes the King of Eurovision himself, Graham Norton, Euro-aficionado Rylan, and Queen of the airwaves Sara Cox.
They will be joined by Eurovision super fan Angela Scanlon, who will be commentating live for the BBC alongside Rylan Clark for the semi-finals on Tuesday 12 and Thursday 14 May.
Scanlon said: “It feels like joining the greatest party on earth – equal parts thrilling and terrifying! I grew up watching the Eurovision Song Contest with my three sisters, making very serious (and wildly biased) scorecards from the couch, so to now be part of it – especially in its 70th year – is genuinely surreal.
“It’s one of those shows that’s always been there, evolving but never losing its magic or madness. I’ve been lucky enough to dip my toe into the Eurovision world before, so it feels great to be doing it again, just with higher heels and a few more sequins!”
While Rylan added: “It’s the 70th Eurovision Song Contest and the biggest show on the planet. Being part of anything this big is something younger me could never have imagined.”
Getting the tea from backstage and across Vienna for the BBC’s digital channels is former Drag Race UK winner, Tia Kofi, giving fans exclusive access to this year’s acts, and a behind the scenes look at the humungous event.
Tia Kofi commented: “It’s such an honour to be back as the BBC Eurovision Digital Presenter for the 70th year of the contest. Growing up, watching Eurovision was such an important part of my life and I can’t wait to celebrate the music, the unity and this special anniversary year with everyone!
“This year’s contest already feels like it’s a close competition between the acts, with some incredible songs from around the globe, and iconic singers like Boy George and Delta Goodrem set to compete alongside our very own brilliant Look Mum No Computer.
“It’s sure to be a year to remember! Austria last won in 2014 with Conchita Wurst and now we’re back 11 years later bringing the camp, glamour and music back to Vienna.”
Sara Cox will return to the airwaves for the semi-finals and grand final on BBC Radio 2, with Rylan joining cox for the final on Saturday 16 May.
Graham Norton also returns to the commentator box for the grand final, bringing his famously witty insights throughout the night. And it’s all to play for as the remaining 25 countries, including the UK’s entry, will battle it out for the win.
Norton said: “It feels really special to be back, gently guiding viewers through the Grand Final in this very momentous 70th anniversary year.”
Kalpna Patel-Knight, head of entertainment at the BBC said: “The BBC continues to be the home of Eurovision in the UK, and this year we’re once again offering a treasure trove of brilliant content for audiences to enjoy as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the contest across the BBC on our platforms.
“Eurovision is one of the most popular events of the year, especially with younger audiences, and it brings the nation together for an unmissable night of joy. I am so excited for audiences to discover what our UK act Look Mum No Computer has in store for what is sure to be an unforgettable performance!”
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The Eurovision Song Contest has faced significant criticism over its decision to allow Israel to take part in the event due to the ongoing war in Gaza.
This year, a number of countries will boycott the contest following the European Broadcasting Union’s decision not to expel Israel from the competition.
At the EBU general assembly in December 2025, a vote was held to introduce new rules that would stop governments and third parties from disproportionately promoting songs to influence voters. No vote was held on Israel’s participation.
The EBU said in a statement: “A large majority of members agreed that there was no need for a further vote on participation and that the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 should proceed as planned, with the additional safeguards in place.”
Following this, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland confirmed they would not participate in this year’s Eurovision.
Irish broadcaster RTÉ said: “RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there, which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk.”
The BBC, which broadcasts the competition in the UK, has said it supports the decision made by the EBU. “This is about enforcing the rules of the EBU and being inclusive,” it said in a statement.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 final will take place on Saturday 16 May 2026.
You can also check out the full list of Eurovision winners and how many times the UK has won Eurovision.
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