Graham Norton on the 2021 Eurovision Grand Final

Virgin Radio

21 May 2021, 11:07

Our own Graham Norton joined the Chris Evans Breakfast Show with Sky to talk about tomorrow night’s Eurovision Grand Final, and about hosting his Virgin Radio show from his hotel room in the Netherlands this weekend.

Graham will be presenting the 65th Eurovision Grand Final tomorrow night (Saturday 22nd May) at 8pm on BBC One, at the Ahoy Centre in Rotterdam. He gave Chris a rundown of what the build-up to the big night looks like. “At about 12 o’clock, I’ll head over and we see the first kind of stagger-through rehearsals. Then, because it’s 2021, there are a bunch of Covid tests to be done. Then we see the second stagger-through. Then, tomorrow I’ll do my Virgin Radio show from the hotel, then there will be the final dress rehearsals, and then whatever happens on the night happens on the night!” 

Graham told Chris that the atmosphere is understandably different to previous years, due to Covid-19. “It’s a weird one. There’s a kind of tension in the air because Iceland tested positive for Corona, and 2019 winner Duncan Laurence was set to do all his new music, he was going to be the star of the grand final, and he’s tested positive so he won’t be there. 

“So, there is a slight kind of tremor where we’re thinking, ‘If people start dropping like flies, what’s going to be left for the Grand Final?’ But fingers crossed.”

When asked by Chris for the latest news from Eurovision, Graham told him, “Iceland got through. They weren’t there last night, but they got through the semi-final, so they’re in the final. If they win, how peak 2021 will that be? They’re sitting in a hotel room, watching themselves win Eurovision, and they’re not there. But they might win, because people love them.”

Graham also noted a surprise celebrity appearance. “Flo Rida has rocked up for no good reason! He has for some reason rocked up to perform with San Marino. I don’t know why!”

On whether he has a preference as to who wins this year’s competition, Graham said, “Personally, I would love France to win. France have a great song. They were the bookies’ favourites. I’m not sure if they are anymore. They haven’t won since 1977 I think.

“San Marino are a bit of a dark horse, but I think Malta or Italy will probably win, but I’d love it if it was France.” 

The Netherlands won Eurovision 2019, which took place in Tel Aviv, and were due to host the 2020 contest, before it was cancelled due to the pandemic. Earlier this month, it was announced that an audience of 3,500 people would be allowed to attend the semi-finals and grand final, upon having a negative COVID-19 test. Graham told Chris that there will be plenty to enjoy at this year’s event. “Maybe it’s because I haven’t seen a Eurovision for two years, but it does seem more brilliantly Billy bonkers and Eurovisiony than it has in a long time. There are some really woeful acts! You’ll enjoy it.”

Of course, as well as Graham hosting the Eurovision Grand Final tomorrow night for the BBC, he will be on Virgin Radio for the Graham Norton Show with Waitrose this Saturday and Sunday, presenting it from his hotel room in Rotterdam. “I feel so clever. I’m in my hotel room and I’ve set up a full studio by myself! Putting this thing together was like defusing a bomb yesterday, but I did it!”

Chris questioned whether Graham might end up presenting his Virgin Radio show on Sunday with something of a hangover, given that it is the climax of Eurovision the night before. Graham responded, “You’d think it would be like those shows they do on Radio 1 after the Brits. It won’t. I think this is going to be my first dry Eurovision.”

He went on to explain that the Dutch Government has prohibited all sales of alcohol from 8pm as part of its Covid-19 restrictions. “There’s no booze post 8pm anywhere. It’s going to be a shockingly dry Eurovision!”

He joked, “Relax, everyone at Virgin. Something is going to happen on Sunday, and I will probably sound annoyed, rather than hungover!” 

The Eurovision Grand Final is on BBC One tomorrow, Saturday 22nd May, at 8pm 

For more great interviews listen to The Chris Evans Breakfast Show with Sky, weekdays from 6:30am on Virgin Radio, or  catch up on-demand here.  

Listen to The Graham Norton Radio Show with Waitrose, Saturdays AND Sundays from 09:30am on Virgin Radio, or catch up on-demand here.