Norton to succeed Wogan on Eurovision?

Friday, August 15 2008, 11:16 BST

DigitalSpy.co.uk

By Simon Reynolds, Entertainment Reporter

 

Graham Norton will replace Terry Wogan as the host of the BBC's Eurovision Song Contest coverage, reports The Sun.

 

Wogan, who has presented coverage for 37 years, confirmed earlier in the week that he would not return for further contests.

 

The BBC is now courting Norton to host the reality show Song For Europe, which will decide Britain's 2009 entry, and provide live commentary for the event.

 

A source is quoted as saying: "The BBC need an alternative and Graham is their man. He is currently talking to bosses about the Song For Europe show, which will run some time in March next year.

 

"Execs have big plans for the show and want to make it more glitzy, with one eye on X Factor. Terry may decide he still wants to do the commentary for the actual contest but if he doesn't, Graham will do that as well."

 

Wogan blamed his departure on the "political voting" system of the contest, stating that "former Eastern Bloc countries are not sufficiently versed in the ways of democracy to realise they are supposed to be voting for a song, not a next-door neighbour".

 

:(

OH GOD NO.

 

Seriously, just put the Eurovision crew here in charge, we'd put it all right :smoke:

I can just see the name of the BBC programme now:

 

"How Do You Solve A Problem Like Eurovision". :no:

I'm glad more effort will go into choosing a song...but Graham Norton is not the way forward :(

Graham Norton :mellow: :o How camp can you get

 

And the postcard for Britain, 3 poofs and a tent :magic:

I can just see the name of the BBC programme now:

 

"How Do You Solve A Problem Like Eurovision". :no:

 

:lol: That is a pretty good title tbh :lol:

 

I think Norton would be a solid alternative to Wogan, for me anyway as the contest is my comical highlight of the year but I don't think he'll make it more serious by any means which unfortunately may suggest the Beeb haven't been persuaded to try and send a serious entry for us next year

How about UK pulling out altogether. as a ESC fan from early childhood, its time to stop.

 

its been run into the ground. it isnt anything remotely Europe now.

 

its the Easternblocovision Song Contest now.

 

Its either split it into two or pull out, it isnt rocket science.

 

 

ps we dont really need the voice overs thanks.

How about UK pulling out altogether. as a ESC fan from early childhood, its time to stop.

 

its been run into the ground. it isnt anything remotely Europe now.

 

its the Easternblocovision Song Contest now.

 

Its either split it into two or pull out, it isnt rocket science.

ps we dont really need the voice overs thanks.

Who finished fifth this year? :rolleyes: Who finished seventh? :rolleyes: I'm sorry, what was that about 'politics'? :arrr:

Not the best replacement but i could think of worse

 

As for pulling out, the only reason we havent done well is becuase we've chosen horrendous songs.

Doesn't seem that much better :(

 

and what's that about having an eye on X Factor? Don't tell me they're going to pluck another hasbeen from the show. :rolleyes:

Edited August 22, 200816 yr by Sabrewulf238

Doesn't seem that much better :(

 

and what's that about having an eye on X Factor? Don't tell me they're going to pluck another hasbeen from the show. :rolleyes:

 

 

Rydian -_- Now that would be different :D

Great replacement!

That man is funny!

The reason we do so badly is down to both political voting and sending $h!t songs...

yeah, we do need a far better song

 

Poland do terribly in the ESC but won the EDC because their dancers were very good, even though Ukraine and Russia finished top 3 as usual

 

political voting can be overcome, I just wish Maria Haukaas Storeng had had a bit more support from each country in May to win it for Norway :(

yeah, we do need a far better song

 

Poland do terribly in the ESC but won the EDC because their dancers were very good, even though Ukraine and Russia finished top 3 as usual

 

political voting can be overcome, I just wish Maria Haukaas Storeng had had a bit more support from each country in May to win it for Norway :(

Even am I going to concede now that it seems Russia and Ukraine will be top three whatever happens now... well not quite whatever, as they usually send decent songs anyway, but Russia were pretty dreadful last night and still finished second... something has to be done, and clearly allowing "expert" jury people isn't the way forward. :manson: We're well and truly f***ed.

down with juries and televoters :lol: let me decide the final outcome of all future contests :kink:

 

I'm just glad that Russia and Ukraine do send good or decent songs to the ESC all the time

 

it would be a much bitter pill to swallow if they were constantly coming top 3 with dire songs