Graham Norton to replace Terry Wogan as host of Eurovision
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Gay comic Graham Norton is to replace Sir Terry Wogan as the British host of Eurovision. The appointment comes just days after Norton attempted to quash rumours he would replace Sir Terry.
On Monday, Norton said: “It’s a really hard gig to take over from Terry because he is genius at it and has made it his own,” he said. Adding: “I think they are changing the voting a bit so I’m sure he’ll be back.”
But today, the BBC announced that Norton would replace the vetran host.
Irish born Sir Terry has been the voice of Eurovision for the past thirty five years.
But following the UK’s abysmal vote in this year’s competition, he said that the contest was “no longer a music contest” claiming that western European countries would be unlikely to win as the competition descends into a political telephone vote.
Sir Terry said: “I’ve had 35 wonderful years commentating on the Eurovision for radio and television.
“From my first, in a small musichall in Dublin, to my last, in the huge arena in Belgrade, it has been nothing but laughter and fun.
“The silly songs, the spectacle, the grandiose foolishness of it all.
“Let’s hope that between (Norton) and the musical brilliance of Lloyd Webber, Royaume Uni will gather its proper share of ‘Douze Points’ and bring the Grand Prix home to where it belongs.”
Noton, who is openly gay said that it would be “an amazing job” adding that “Sir Terry is nothing less than legend and is an impossible act to follow, but somebody must and I just couldn’t say no.
“I can’t wait to get to Moscow. With a combination of cheap vodka and a language barrier what could possibly go wrong?”
Jay Hunt, Controller of BBC One said: “I am delighted that Graham Norton will now be bringing his wit to bear on this iconic music event.”
Norton has a multi-million pound BBC presenting contract.