Last year, I, along with a lot of other people, watched in joy and awe as Ukraine won the Eurovision Song Contest, closely followed by the UK with our best performance in a good long time. I’d actually sworn off Eurovision for a bit, despite being a fan since before I can remember. I’ve had, and still have, an issue with the scoring but I won’t get into all that again. Last year’s contest brought me right back into the Eurovision fold and I was excited for this year to roll around.

I don’t know why I didn’t write about the contest last year because it was a real high point, with so much to enjoy. And it made me absolutely fascinated to watch the 2023 competition - I was curious how the UK would do as stand-in hosts, trying to tread that fine line of really making the most of the home town party whilst also honouring Ukraine in every way. I think the organisers managed it pretty well, it was a great show and felt very inclusive.

Some highlights include everything Hannah Waddingham did, the odd but bonus handovers between Graham Norton and Mel Giedroyc, and the fantastic opening number with lots of guest appearances on Ukraine’s winning song from last year.

I’m not surprised the UK didn’t do particularly well this year, politics aside. The song didn’t stand out, in a crowded field of feisty female pop songs (I preferred Norway’s Queen of Kings, what a catchy number), the position was forgettable going last, and whilst Mae put in a great performance, it didn’t have the star power of Sam Ryder. Slightly awkward that his interval performance was head and shoulders better than our actual entry.

But never mind, the show was great, the songs of a high standard, and Sweden picked up another victory to leave us all eagerly anticipating what the 2024 competition will bring.