Next year's Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Liverpool, it has been announced.
The UK has stepped in as host of the 2023 edition after this year's winners, Ukraine, were deemed unable to stage the contest due to the ongoing invasion by Russia.
A shortlist of candidate cities was whittled down to Liverpool and Glasgow at the end of last month and now it has been confirmed that it will be held on Merseyside.
The BBC has also confirmed that the final will be held on Saturday, May 13, with the two semi-finals preceding on Tuesday, May 9 and Thursday, May 11.
BBC director-general Tim Davie said: "Congratulations to Liverpool. They will be an amazing host for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.
"Liverpool is such an exciting, warm and vibrant city. It's the undisputed capital of pop music and is celebrating the 65th anniversary of its twinning with the Ukrainian city of Odesa.
"I know the people of Liverpool will welcome Europe – and the rest of the world – with open arms, and in partnership we will create something truly special."
In recognition of Ukraine winning in 2022, the contest promises to put the country "front and centre" of next year's show.
Follow us on Twitter @SMEntsFeed and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.
