BBC presenter Paddy O’Connell suggests ‘someone else’ could broadcast Eurovision

BBC presenter Paddy O’Connell suggests ‘someone else’ could broadcast Eurovision after run of disastrous placings for UK

  • Over the years, the BBC has been central to choosing the United Kingdom’s act
  • Paddy O’Connell, a Radio 4 host, said the BBC could ‘let someone else’ do it 
  • A corporation source said the BBC had ‘no intention in giving up’ the contest 


One of the BBC’s own presenters has questioned the broadcaster’s involvement in the Eurovision Song Contest following a run of disastrous results.

Paddy O’Connell, who hosts Radio 4’s Broadcasting House programme, said the corporation had ‘sent some rubbish’ to the competition.

Over the years, the BBC has been central to choosing the acts that represent Great Britain at the event.

But Mr O’Connell, who has previously been part of the broadcaster’s presenting team for the contest, suggested the BBC could ‘let someone else’ do it.

Speaking on Radio 4’s Today programme yesterday, he pointed out that ITV was also part of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) which organises the event.

Paddy O’Connell, who hosts Radio 4’s Broadcasting House programme, has questioned the BBC’s involvement in the Eurovision Song Contest following a run of disastrous results. Pictured: Graham Norton, the BBC’s current host of Eurovision

His comments came after the BBC revealed this week that it had brought in Tap Music, the team behind pop acts Lana Del Ray and Dua Lipa, to select next year’s entry.

In this year’s contest, British hopeful James Newman ended up in last place with the dreaded ‘nul points’. In the previous competition, in 2019, Michael Rice also finished last.

The last British winner was Katrina and the Waves in 1997.

In this year’s contest, British hopeful James Newman ended up in last place with the dreaded ‘nul points’. In the previous competition, in 2019, Michael Rice also finished last

In this year’s contest, British hopeful James Newman ended up in last place with the dreaded ‘nul points’. In the previous competition, in 2019, Michael Rice also finished last

The BBC has tried a number of approaches to improve results, including sending ageing stars such as Engelbert Humperdinck and Bonnie Tyler.

Mr O’Connell added: ‘I think the BBC should be warned that it’s not the only member of the EBU. ITV is a member. So if the BBC can’t do it then let someone else.’

A BBC source said it had ‘no intention of giving up’ the contest.

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