Following Scott Mills' departure, Rylan Clark and Angela Scanlon will host the semi-finals in Vienna this May.
Category: Arts & Culture
The BBC has announced its new presenting team for the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, set to take place in Vienna, Austria. This year's competition marks the 70th anniversary of the event, and the changes come after the much-publicised departure of long-time host Scott Mills, who was a staple of the coverage for 15 years.
Scott Mills, who had been commentating on the semi-finals alongside Rylan Clark, was informed of his dismissal from the BBC shortly before the announcement. The decision followed a police investigation into allegations of serious sexual offences involving a teenage boy under 16, which took place between 1997 and 2000. The BBC admitted to being aware of the investigation since 2017 but stated that it acted decisively after receiving new information shortly before Mills' firing. Mills has since expressed his desire for privacy, noting that the police probe was closed seven years ago and requesting no additional comments.
In Mills' absence, Rylan Clark will now co-host the Eurovision semi-finals with Angela Scanlon. The first semi-final is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 8 PM UK time, followed by the second semi-final on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the same time. Angela Scanlon expressed her enthusiasm about joining the Eurovision team, stating, "It feels like joining the greatest party on earth – equal parts thrilling and terrifying!" She reminisced about growing up watching the contest with her sisters, making "very serious (and wildly biased) scorecards from the couch," and described her new role as surreal, especially in the show's milestone year.
Eurovision 2026 will feature 35 participating countries, a reduction from previous years due to several nations boycotting the event in response to Israel's involvement. This year's UK entry is electronic music artist Look Mum No Computer, who will perform the song "Eins, Zwei, Drei". As one of the pre-qualified "Big Four" countries, the UK will have a guaranteed place in the grand final, which will be broadcast live on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 8 PM on BBC One and iPlayer.
Graham Norton, a familiar face in Eurovision commentary, will lead the coverage for the Grand Final. He expressed his excitement about returning for such a momentous occasion, saying, "It feels really special to be back, gently guiding viewers through the grand final in this very momentous 70th anniversary year." Sara Cox, who succeeded Mills on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, will also cover the semi-finals on her own for Radio 2 and commentate on the final alongside Clark. Cox remarked that being part of Eurovision is a unique experience, adding to the anticipation surrounding the event.
The first semi-final will showcase 15 countries competing for a spot in the Grand Final, with viewers in the UK having the opportunity to vote for their favorite entries. The countries participating in the first semi-final include Moldova, Sweden, Croatia, Greece, Portugal, Georgia, Finland, Montenegro, Estonia, Israel, Belgium, Lithuania, San Marino, Poland, and Serbia. The second semi-final will feature another 15 countries, including Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Romania, Luxembourg, Czechia, Armenia, Switzerland, Cyprus, Latvia, Denmark, Australia, Ukraine, Albania, Malta, and Norway.
The final showdown on May 16 will see the remaining 25 acts, including the UK's Look Mum No Computer, compete for the coveted Eurovision trophy. The outcome will be determined by a combination of points from national juries and viewer votes from the participating nations, as well as a separate world vote. Each national jury comprises a panel of seven music professionals, and after viewers cast their votes, a national spokesperson from each country will announce the points live.
As the excitement builds for Eurovision 2026, the BBC promises a treasure trove of brilliant content across TV, radio, and digital platforms. This year’s event celebrates the legacy of Eurovision and highlights the changing dynamics within the contest, particularly with the controversies surrounding participation. The BBC's revamped team aims to deliver an unforgettable experience for audiences, making this year's celebration of music and culture truly exceptional.
With the first semi-final just weeks away, fans are eagerly anticipating the performances and the vibrant atmosphere that Eurovision is known for. As Rylan Clark noted, "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." The grand final will be broadcast live from the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna, Austria, on May 16, 2026, promising a night filled with excitement and entertainment.