this is bbc news. the headlines: ukraine's president zelensky is visiting rome — where he'll have an audience with the pope and meet italian political leaders. the prime minister, giorgia meloni has been one of kyiv�*s more vocal backers. turkey's election candidates are taking part in the last few hours of campaigning, before the country goes to the polls. president erdogan is fighting for his political survival against opponents promising what they're calling �*a return to democracy.�* rail passengers across england are facing further disruption as members of the rmt union walk out on strike. the latest indutrial acton is part of a long—running dispute about pay and conditions. the excitement is building in liverpool as last minute preparations are made for the eurovision

song contest final. the uk's entry, will be the last of the twenty six acts to perform. now on bbc news, it's time for the road to eurovision. ukraine won with 631 points, beating sam ryder�*s 466. find ukraine won with 631 points, beating sam ryder's l“36-— ukraine won with 631 points, beating sam ryder's 466. and here they are, ukraine, sam ryder's 466. and here they are, ukraine. the — sam ryder's 466. and here they are, ukraine, the winner. _ ukraine, the winner. congratulations, guys. fix, ukraine, the winner. conuratulations, au 5. �* ., congratulations, guys. a growing

olitical congratulations, guys. a growing political crisis _ congratulations, guys. a growing political crisis meant _ congratulations, guys. a growing political crisis meant 2023's - political crisis meant 2023's contest couldn't be hosted in ukraine. 1 contest couldn't be hosted in ukraine. ., ., , , ukraine. i handed the trophy, lifted u -. you ukraine. i handed the trophy, lifted un- you deserve — ukraine. i handed the trophy, lifted up. you deserve it _ ukraine. i handed the trophy, lifted up. you deserve it and _ ukraine. i handed the trophy, lifted up. you deserve it and if _ ukraine. i handed the trophy, lifted up. you deserve it and if you - ukraine. i handed the trophy, lifted up. you deserve it and if you want i up. you deserve it and if you want to say something this is the moment. thank you so much. thank you for swporting — thank you so much. thank you for supporting ukraine. this victory is for every— supporting ukraine. this victory is for every ukrainian. this supporting ukraine. this victory is for every ukrainian.— for every ukrainian. this is the sto of for every ukrainian. this is the story of how — for every ukrainian. this is the story of how eurovision - for every ukrainian. this is the story of how eurovision came i for every ukrainian. this is the l story of how eurovision came to for every ukrainian. this is the - story of how eurovision came to the uk. this tangible energy of light. it's

incredible. ukrainians and key have watched and celebrated at home, a country that had changed for ever. today we are live in ukraine as russia invades in a major military assault by land, sea and air. in february 2022, the world woke up to the news that russia was doing the unthinkable, invading their country. since then, people have been forced to leave their homes.

hundreds of thousands of people have lost their lives. and then an arrest warrant was issued against russian president vladimir putin for alleged war crimes. on the day the war broke out, countries across the world started condemning russia's actions. but the european broadcasting union, who run the eurovision song contest, didn't take immediate action. after broadcasters called for the country to be banned, they soon changed their mind. back on the ground in ukraine, men from across the country were called up to the front line, including ukraine's 2022 winners, and they were on tour when russia invaded.

translation: ., , ., , ., translation: the day the war began we are returning _ translation: the day the war began we are returning from _ translation: the day the war began we are returning from tour, _ translation: the day the war began we are returning from tour, from - translation: the day the war began we are returning from tour, from the. we are returning from tour, from the city of dnipro. we came across the explosions. we had them ourselves. but the war in their country continued and just a month later... some news about the eurovision song contest _ some news about the eurovision song contest the _ some news about the eurovision song contest. the eurovision broadcasting union, _ contest. the eurovision broadcasting union, which essentially runs the contest. — union, which essentially runs the contest, has said it is in talks with— contest, has said it is in talks with the _ contest, has said it is in talks with the bbc to potentially host the 2023 eurovision song contest in the uk. 2023 eurovision song contest in the uk after_ 2023 eurovision song contest in the uk. after concluding that next year's — uk. after concluding that next year's contest cannot be held in ukraine — year's contest cannot be held in ukraine. ., , year's contest cannot be held in ukraine— a i ukraine. hello, it is daniel. a little while — ukraine. hello, it is daniel. a little while ago _ ukraine. hello, it is daniel. a little while ago i _ ukraine. hello, it is daniel. a little while ago i spoke - ukraine. hello, it is daniel. a little while ago i spoke with l ukraine. hello, it is daniel. a. little while ago i spoke with the boss, martin asked a doll. it is

little while ago i spoke with the boss, martin asked a doll. it is a lona and boss, martin asked a doll. it is a long and proud _ boss, martin asked a doll. it is a long and proud tradition - boss, martin asked a doll. it is a long and proud tradition of - boss, martin asked a doll. it is a long and proud tradition of the l long and proud tradition of the eurovision song contest that if you win it, you hosted. it comes with a set of requirements that need to be met. of course, the security and safety elements are key for us for all the stakeholders involved and clearly this year it was evident that we unfortunately could not take the event to ukraine. find that we unfortunately could not take the event to ukraine.— the event to ukraine. and then it was offered _ the event to ukraine. and then it was offered to _ the event to ukraine. and then it was offered to the _ the event to ukraine. and then it was offered to the bbc— the event to ukraine. and then it was offered to the bbc to - the event to ukraine. and then it was offered to the bbc to host i was offered to the bbc to host instead. but the initial statement that we got from ukraine suggested, they said they wanted the decision to be looked at again. so it suggested they were not consulted on the first decision? timer;r suggested they were not consulted on the first decision?— the first decision? they were consulted — the first decision? they were consulted on _ the first decision? they were consulted on that _ the first decision? they were consulted on that first - the first decision? they were i consulted on that first decision. but there was a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of interest in trying to find a way to still host this in ukraine. we were, from our side pretty

realistic about the prospects but we wanted to engage in further conversations before the final decision was made. that conversations before the final decision was made. that then prime minister boris _ decision was made. that then prime minister boris johnson, _ decision was made. that then prime minister boris johnson, fresh - decision was made. that then prime minister boris johnson, fresh from l decision was made. that then prime minister boris johnson, fresh from a minister borisjohnson, fresh from a trip to kenya have weighed in on who should host the contest. i trip to kenya have weighed in on who should host the contest.— should host the contest. i know we came second. _ should host the contest. i know we came second. i _ should host the contest. i know we came second, i would _ should host the contest. i know we came second, i would love - should host the contest. i know we came second, i would love it - should host the contest. i know we came second, i would love it to - should host the contest. i know we came second, i would love it to be| came second, i would love it to be in this— came second, i would love it to be in this country, but the fact is, they— in this country, but the fact is, they weren't and they deserve to have _ they weren't and they deserve to have it — they weren't and they deserve to have it i— they weren't and they deserve to have it. i believe they can have it, i have it. i believe they can have it, i believe _ have it. i believe they can have it, i believe they should have it. i believe — i believe they should have it. i believe kyiv, or any other safe ukrainian _ believe kyiv, or any other safe ukrainian city would be a fantastic place _ ukrainian city would be a fantastic place to— ukrainian city would be a fantastic place to have it. i very much hope the european broadcasting union will recognise _ the european broadcasting union will recognise that. because i don't think— recognise that. because i don't think it's — recognise that. because i don't think it's right. this thing is a year— think it's right. this thing is a year away~ _ think it's right. this thing is a yearaway. it think it's right. this thing is a year away. it is going to be fined by the _ year away. it is going to be fined by the time the eurovision song contest — by the time the eurovision song contest comes round and i hope the ukrainians— contest comes round and i hope the ukrainians get it, because they deserve — ukrainians get it, because they deserve it. but

ukrainians get it, because they deserve it— deserve it. but things in the country didn't _ deserve it. but things in the country didn't improve - deserve it. but things in the country didn't improve and l deserve it. but things in the | country didn't improve and it deserve it. but things in the - country didn't improve and it became official, eurovision was coming to the uk. �* ., ~ , , ., , the uk. breaking news 'ust into us at the sac, — the uk. breaking news 'ust into us at the the, the h the uk. breaking news 'ust into us at the bbc, the 2023 _ the uk. breaking newsjust into us at the bbc, the 2023 eurovision i the uk. breaking newsjust into us i at the bbc, the 2023 eurovision song contest will be hosted in the united kingdom and behalf of this year's winning broadcaster, which was ukraine. i winning broadcaster, which was ukraine. ., ., , winning broadcaster, which was ukraine. . ., , . winning broadcaster, which was ukraine. . . , . ., ukraine. i am really excited about 2023, i ukraine. i am really excited about 2023, t have — ukraine. i am really excited about 2023, i have been _ ukraine. i am really excited about 2023, i have been working - ukraine. i am really excited aboutj 2023, i have been working closely with the _ 2023, i have been working closely with the bbc team during the host city selection. i think we are going to he _ city selection. i think we are going to he in— city selection. i think we are going to he in a — city selection. i think we are going to be in a wonderful place, regardless of where we end up in the end. regardless of where we end up in the end i_ regardless of where we end up in the end ithink— regardless of where we end up in the end. i think the uk is blessed with a lot of— end. i think the uk is blessed with a lot of talent and a lot of great venues — a lot of talent and a lot of great venues and a lot of great cities. i think— venues and a lot of great cities. i think the — venues and a lot of great cities. i think the eurovision is in very good hands _ think the eurovision is in very good hands with— think the eurovision is in very good hands with the bbc and the uk. interestingly, the eurovision song contest _ interestingly, the eurovision song contest is — interestingly, the eurovision song contest is experiencing a real boost and a _ contest is experiencing a real boost and a reat— contest is experiencing a real boost and a real boom at the moment, in

terms _ and a real boom at the moment, in terms of— and a real boom at the moment, in terms of the — and a real boom at the moment, in terms of the popularity of the contest — terms of the popularity of the contest on the popularity of the brand — contest on the popularity of the brand i— contest on the popularity of the brand. i think there is a couple of reasons— brand. i think there is a couple of reasons for— brand. i think there is a couple of reasons for this. the contest has evolved — reasons for this. the contest has evolved a — reasons for this. the contest has evolved a lot and the numbers that are taking — evolved a lot and the numbers that are taking place from these 40 different — are taking place from these 40 different countries are working with it harder— different countries are working with it harder today, the general level of quality— it harder today, the general level of quality in the contest has certainly— of quality in the contest has certainly increased since i started working _ certainly increased since i started working with this 15 years ago. so the contest is taken more seriously, it has— the contest is taken more seriously, it has become better. we have also been _ it has become better. we have also been helped by some huge musical successes— been helped by some huge musical successes through the contest and we are not— successes through the contest and we are not only— successes through the contest and we are not only talking about abbott, celine _ are not only talking about abbott, celine dion way back when, but in recent— celine dion way back when, but in recent years with duncan lawrence, snau _ recent years with duncan lawrence, snau there — recent years with duncan lawrence, snap. there really is this eurovision dream, you can make it bil eurovision dream, you can make it big over— eurovision dream, you can make it big over one — eurovision dream, you can make it big over one night, you can become an international star. 30

big over one night, you can become an international star.— an international star. so the hunt for the next _ an international star. so the hunt for the next location _ an international star. so the hunt for the next location to _ an international star. so the hunt for the next location to make - an international star. so the hunt for the next location to make a l for the next location to make a start began. british cities threw their hats into the ring and a list was drawn up. their hats into the ring and a list was drawn lip-— their hats into the ring and a list was drawn up. scott, the shortlist is in an envelope, _ was drawn up. scott, the shortlist is in an envelope, it— was drawn up. scott, the shortlist is in an envelope, it is— was drawn up. scott, the shortlist is in an envelope, it is in - was drawn up. scott, the shortlist is in an envelope, it is in front - was drawn up. scott, the shortlist is in an envelope, it is in front ofl is in an envelope, it is in front of you, are you ready? this is in an envelope, it is in front of you, are you ready?— is in an envelope, it is in front of you, are you ready? this is such an honour. you, are you ready? this is such an honour- let's _ you, are you ready? this is such an honour. let's do _ you, are you ready? this is such an honour. let's do this. _ you, are you ready? this is such an honour. let's do this. all— you, are you ready? this is such an honour. let's do this. all right, - you, are you ready? this is such an honour. let's do this. all right, we | honour. let's do this. all right, we know there — honour. let's do this. all right, we know there are _ honour. let's do this. all right, we know there are seven _ honour. let's do this. all right, we know there are seven cities - honour. let's do this. all right, we know there are seven cities on - honour. let's do this. all right, we know there are seven cities on the | know there are seven cities on the shortlist. ., , ., , shortlist. 0k. scott is opening the old shortlist. 0k. scott is opening the gold envelope- — shortlist. 0k. scott is opening the gold envelope. who _ shortlist. 0k. scott is opening the gold envelope. who are _ shortlist. 0k. scott is opening the gold envelope. who are they? - shortlist. 0k. scott is opening the gold envelope. who are they? inl gold envelope. who are they? in alphabetical order, the seven cities shortlisted to host the 2023 eurovision song contest are... birmingham. glasgow. leeds.

liverpool. manchester. newcastle. and sheffield. and that is it. that was really tense. _ and sheffield. and that is it. that was really tense. those _ and sheffield. and that is it. that was really tense. those are - and sheffield. and that is it. that was really tense. those are the i was really tense. those are the seven cities _ was really tense. those are the seven cities who _ was really tense. those are the seven cities who could - was really tense. those are the seven cities who could be - was really tense. those are the l seven cities who could be hosting eurovision next year.— seven cities who could be hosting eurovision next year. there are many --eole eurovision next year. there are many people listening _ eurovision next year. there are many people listening right _ eurovision next year. there are many people listening right now, _ eurovision next year. there are many people listening right now, leaping i people listening right now, leaping up people listening right now, leaping up and down. the people listening right now, leaping up and down-— people listening right now, leaping up and down. the shortlisted cities were whittled _ up and down. the shortlisted cities were whittled down _ up and down. the shortlisted cities were whittled down to _ up and down. the shortlisted cities were whittled down to two. - up and down. the shortlisted citiesl were whittled down to two. glasgow and liverpool- _ were whittled down to two. glasgow and liverpool. the _ were whittled down to two. glasgow and liverpool. the time _ were whittled down to two. glasgow and liverpool. the time has - were whittled down to two. glasgow and liverpool. the time has come, l and liverpool. the time has come, graham _ and liverpool. the time has come, graham norton, can you reveal which city will— graham norton, can you reveal which city will host — graham norton, can you reveal which city will host the eurovision song contest _ city will host the eurovision song contest 2023?— city will host the eurovision song contest 2023? �* ., ., contest 2023? building the drama, i want to ri- contest 2023? building the drama, i want to rip it — contest 2023? building the drama, i want to rip it open. _ contest 2023? building the drama, i want to rip it open. the _ contest 2023? building the drama, i want to rip it open. the city - contest 2023? building the drama, i want to rip it open. the city that - want to rip it open. the city that will host the 67th eurovision song contest in 2023 is...

liverpool! congratulations. cheering and applause. congratulations to liverpool, let's io congratulations to liverpool, let's go to _ congratulations to liverpool, let's go to kevin to see how the news is going _ go to kevin to see how the news is going down— go to kevin to see how the news is going down there. it is go to kevin to see how the news is going down there.— going down there. it is incredible, isn't it! my _ going down there. it is incredible, isn't it! my goodness, _ going down there. it is incredible, isn't it! my goodness, what - going down there. it is incredible, isn't it! my goodness, what a - isn't it! my goodness, what a feeling, _ isn't it! my goodness, what a feeling, what _ isn't it! my goodness, what a feeling, what a _ isn't it! my goodness, what a feeling, what a feeling, - isn't it! my goodness, what a feeling, what a feeling, whatj isn't it! my goodness, what a i feeling, what a feeling, what a feelind — feeling, what a feeling, what a feelint. ., ,., ., , feeling. live from liverpool is the handover ceremony _ feeling. live from liverpool is the handover ceremony and _ feeling. live from liverpool is the handover ceremony and the - feeling. live from liverpool is the l handover ceremony and the official allocation draw of the 67th eurovision song contest. those preparations— eurovision song contest. those preparations got _ eurovision song contest. those preparations got under- eurovision song contest. those preparations got under way - eurovision song contest. those j preparations got under way and eurovision song contest. those i preparations got under way and at the start of 2023, the host city took the reins. cheering and applause there it is. the eurovision song contest is officially in liverpool. i am really proud to be able to host

eurovision for liverpool, but especially proud to do it on behalf of ukraine. . ., especially proud to do it on behalf of ukraine-— of ukraine. liverpudlian fans got read to of ukraine. liverpudlian fans got ready to host. — of ukraine. liverpudlian fans got ready to host, but _ of ukraine. liverpudlian fans got ready to host, but not _ of ukraine. liverpudlian fans got ready to host, but not all- of ukraine. liverpudlian fans got ready to host, but not all localsl ready to host, but not all locals got the memo. the eurovision song contest is coming here. is it. got the memo. the eurovision song contest is coming here.— contest is coming here. is it, i didn't know. _ contest is coming here. is it, i didn't know, sorry. _ contest is coming here. is it, i didn't know, sorry. so - contest is coming here. is it, i didn't know, sorry. so this - contest is coming here. is it, i didn't know, sorry. so this is l contest is coming here. is it, i - didn't know, sorry. so this is news to ou? didn't know, sorry. so this is news to you? yes- _ didn't know, sorry. so this is news to you? yes. prepare _ didn't know, sorry. so this is news to you? yes. prepare yourself. i. to you? yes. prepare yourself. i can't smile _ to you? yes. prepare yourself. i can't smile because _ to you? yes. prepare yourself. i can't smile because i _ to you? yes. prepare yourself. i can't smile because i have - to you? yes. prepare yourself. i can't smile because i have had l to you? yes. prepare yourself. i. can't smile because i have had too much _ can't smile because i have had too much botox. we can't smile because i have had too much botox— can't smile because i have had too much botox. we have a massive fan base for the — much botox. we have a massive fan base for the eurovision _ much botox. we have a massive fan base for the eurovision song - much botox. we have a massive fan | base for the eurovision song contest in the united kingdom. it rates the normally on the bbc. it is not a surprise for us that the united kingdom secretly loves the eurovision. it hasn't perhaps been as pronounced as it is now. did a fantasticjob and we are

experiencing a resurgence in the uk, which is fantastic.— which is fantastic. some rider was ttoin to which is fantastic. some rider was going to be _ which is fantastic. some rider was going to be hard _ which is fantastic. some rider was going to be hard to _ which is fantastic. some rider was going to be hard to follow, - which is fantastic. some rider was going to be hard to follow, but i which is fantastic. some rider was going to be hard to follow, but in| going to be hard to follow, but in march we found out he would be stepping into their shoes in competing for the uk. n stepping into their shoes in competing for the uk.- stepping into their shoes in competing for the uk. i am so excited and — competing for the uk. i am so excited and it _ competing for the uk. i am so excited and it is _ competing for the uk. i am so excited and it is a _ competing for the uk. i am so excited and it is a dream - competing for the uk. i am so| excited and it is a dream come competing for the uk. i am so - excited and it is a dream come true and for it to be in liverpool, iconic setting. i hope you guys like the song. come wait to see you. when you said you were leaving... 25—year—old maybelle is from london and she said she got into song writing because her train wi—fi failed and she needed something to do. instead i wrote a song. she is most

excited about _ instead i wrote a song. she is most excited about being _ instead i wrote a song. she is most excited about being part _ instead i wrote a song. she is most excited about being part of- instead i wrote a song. she is most excited about being part of the - excited about being part of the eurovision community. it’s excited about being part of the eurovision community. it's about eve one eurovision community. it's about everyone coming _ eurovision community. it's about everyone coming together - eurovision community. it's about. everyone coming together despite what is going on in the world and supporting each other. i think that is what makes it so special. it is quite an empowering feeling. being part of that, especially this year on behalf of ukraine, it makes a special occasion even more special. typically speaking, it takes one or two days— typically speaking, it takes one or two days for an event to build. for eurovision. — two days for an event to build. for eurovision, the build time is five weeks _ eurovision, the build time is five weeks and — eurovision, the build time is five weeks and that really speaks of the scale _ weeks and that really speaks of the scale and _ weeks and that really speaks of the scale and spectacle of your vision 2025 _ scale and spectacle of your vision 2025 we — scale and spectacle of your vision 2023. we feel really emotional because — 2023. we feel really emotional because it is about pride as well as

civic pride — because it is about pride as well as civic pride for liverpool, as a country— civic pride for liverpool, as a country on _ civic pride for liverpool, as a country on behalf of ukraine and standing — country on behalf of ukraine and standing in solidarity with them and their people. the standing in solidarity with them and their people-— their people. the entire thing is an embrace, their people. the entire thing is an embrace. it _ their people. the entire thing is an embrace, it looks _ their people. the entire thing is an embrace, it looks like _ their people. the entire thing is an embrace, it looks like open - their people. the entire thing is an embrace, it looks like open arms l their people. the entire thing is an j embrace, it looks like open arms it looks— embrace, it looks like open arms it looks like _ embrace, it looks like open arms it looks like ukraine _ embrace, it looks like open arms it looks like ukraine and _ embrace, it looks like open arms it looks like ukraine and actor- embrace, it looks like open arms it looks like ukraine and actor —— - embrace, it looks like open arms it looks like ukraine and actor —— the| looks like ukraine and actor —— the uk and _ looks like ukraine and actor —— the uk and liverpool— looks like ukraine and actor —— the uk and liverpool embracing - looks like ukraine and actor —— the. uk and liverpool embracing ukraine and working — uk and liverpool embracing ukraine and working on— uk and liverpool embracing ukraine and working on making _ uk and liverpool embracing ukraine and working on making them. - uk and liverpool embracing ukraine and working on making them. kingl and working on making them. king charles and — and working on making them. king charles and crean _ and working on making them. charles and crean camilla opened and working on making themm charles and crean camilla opened the stadium. the royals even met the uk's entrant. hate stadium. the royals even met the uk's entrant-— stadium. the royals even met the

uk's entrant. we are again you on. no nil bois- — uk's entrant. we are again you on. no nil bois. the _ uk's entrant. we are again you on. no nil bois. the stage _ uk's entrant. we are again you on. no nil bois. the stage is _ uk's entrant. we are again you on. no nil bois. the stage is huge - uk's entrant. we are again you on. no nil bois. the stage is huge and | no nil bois. the stage is huge and took weeks _ no nil bois. the stage is huge and took weeks to _ no nil bois. the stage is huge and took weeks to sort _ no nil bois. the stage is huge and took weeks to sort out _ no nil bois. the stage is huge and took weeks to sort out the - no nil bois. the stage is huge and j took weeks to sort out the lighting and special effects. everything is captured with more than a 150 microphones. there have been more than 50,000 tickets sold across the events during eurovision week with the arena filled with 6000 fans for each show. though the royals will be backin each show. though the royals will be back in the uk, ukrainian president zelensky would have preferred the contest to stay closer to home. translation: i contest to stay closer to home. translation:— contest to stay closer to home. translation: ., ., , , . translation: i have great respect for the united — translation: i have great respect for the united kingdom, _ translation: i have great respect for the united kingdom, it's - translation: i have great respect for the united kingdom, it's an - for the united kingdom, it's an amazing country. my opinion from the start has been that if we can't host eurovision, it should take place in

one of the countries that share a border with us such as slovakia or poland or other countries which our people can reach easily, something nearby. people can reach easily, something nearb . ,, . , people can reach easily, something nearb. ,, . , , ., nearby. since the news broke that the contest _ nearby. since the news broke that the contest was _ nearby. since the news broke that the contest was coming _ nearby. since the news broke that the contest was coming here, - nearby. since the news broke that the contest was coming here, we| nearby. since the news broke that - the contest was coming here, we have had a few different prime ministers but the invite for the current one, rishi sunak, seems to have gotten lost in the post. will you be there? i probably won't be there but we are planning to host an event in downing street with ukrainian families. the reason we are hosting it is because of the situation in ukraine. it would be a nice idea to bring ukrainian families here to watch the evening. that's a good source of pride for the entire country that we are able to do this. there pride for the entire country that we are able to do this.— are able to do this. are you an eurovision _ are able to do this. are you an eurovision fan? _ are able to do this. are you an eurovision fan? i— are able to do this. are you an eurovision fan? i don't - are able to do this. are you an eurovision fan? i don't have i are able to do this. are you an i eurovision fan? i don't have much time for any _ eurovision fan? i don't have much time for any of — eurovision fan? i don't have much time for any of those _ eurovision fan? i don't have much time for any of those things - eurovision fan? i don't have much time for any of those things at i eurovision fan? i don't have much| time for any of those things at the moment but i'm looking forward to it. �* , ., ., ~ moment but i'm looking forward to it. 2 ., ., ~ ., it. there's a whole week of it,

semifinals... _ it. there's a whole week of it, semifinals... there _ it. there's a whole week of it, semifinals... there is - it. there's a whole week of it, semifinals... there is a - it. there's a whole week of it, l semifinals... there is a hobbled it. there's a whole week of it, - semifinals... there is a hobbled up but it should _ semifinals... there is a hobbled up but it should be _ semifinals... there is a hobbled up but it should be good. _ semifinals... there is a hobbled up but it should be good. i _ semifinals... there is a hobbled up but it should be good. i hope - semifinals... there is a hobbled up but it should be good. i hope there is time for me to open up a bit of downing street for ukrainian families. ., . ,, [m downing street for ukrainian families. ., . ,, m families. sequence? sequins? not one b me but families. sequence? sequins? not one by me but hopefully. _ families. sequence? sequins? not one by me but hopefully. families - families. sequence? sequins? not one by me but hopefully. families all- by me but hopefully. families all over the world _ by me but hopefully. families all over the world are _ by me but hopefully. families all over the world are going. - by me but hopefully. families all over the world are going. this i by me but hopefully. families all over the world are going. this is| over the world are going. this is the culmination _ over the world are going. this is the culmination of _ over the world are going. this is the culmination of everything i over the world are going. this is i the culmination of everything that i am about — the culmination of everything that i am about i— the culmination of everything that i am about. i have dry to get tickets, i've am about. i have dry to get tickets, we had _ am about. i have dry to get tickets, i've had some before but not been able to— i've had some before but not been able to get— i've had some before but not been able to get flights, i couldn't afford — able to get flights, i couldn't afford in _ able to get flights, i couldn't afford in 98 for birmingham, too young _ afford in 98 for birmingham, too young for— afford in 98 for birmingham, too young for 92. this is my year. this is my— young for 92. this is my year. this is my year— young for 92. this is my year. this is my year so— young for 92. this is my year. this is my year so liverpool, here we come _ is my year so liverpool, here we come. �* ., is my year so liverpool, here we come. �* . ., ., ., come. i'm having an amazing time. i'm

come. i'm having an amazing time. i'm worried — come. i'm having an amazing time. i'm worried i _ come. i'm having an amazing time. i'm worried i am — come. i'm having an amazing time. i'm worried i am peaking _ come. i'm having an amazing time. i'm worried i am peaking too i come. i'm having an amazing time. i'm worried i am peaking too soon. | i'm worried i am peaking too soon. we haven't— i'm worried i am peaking too soon. we haven't even— i'm worried i am peaking too soon. we haven't even got _ i'm worried i am peaking too soon. we haven't even got there - i'm worried i am peaking too soon. we haven't even got there yet i i'm worried i am peaking too soon. we haven't even got there yet and | we haven't even got there yet and i'm we haven't even got there yet and i'm ready— we haven't even got there yet and i'm ready having _ we haven't even got there yet and i'm ready having the _ we haven't even got there yet and i'm ready having the best - we haven't even got there yet and i'm ready having the best time i we haven't even got there yet and i'm ready having the best time ofl we haven't even got there yet and i i'm ready having the best time of my life. i'm ready having the best time of my life on _ i'm ready having the best time of my life on a _ i'm ready having the best time of my life. on a train! _ i'm ready having the best time of my life. on a train! how— i'm ready having the best time of my life. on a train! how often— i'm ready having the best time of my life. on a train! how often do- i'm ready having the best time of my life. on a train! how often do we i life. on a train! how often do we het life. on a train! how often do we get to— life. on a train! how often do we get to say— life. on a train! how often do we get to say that _ life. on a train! how often do we get to say that in _ life. on a train! how often do we get to say that in this _ life. on a train! how often do we get to say that in this country? i life. on a train! how often do we i get to say that in this country? not very often — get to say that in this country? not ve often. . . get to say that in this country? not very often-— very often. this is the official 0 ttenin very often. this is the official opening ceremony _ very often. this is the official opening ceremony of i very often. this is the official opening ceremony of this i very often. this is the official i opening ceremony of this year's eurovision song contest. sandwiched between slovenia to my right and cyprus to my left. all acts from all countries participating have now arrived in liverpool. they are walking this red carpet which is actually turquoise for sponsorship reasons. around 3000 tickets were made available to ukrainian people displaced by the war so they could celebrate in liverpool. i feel displaced by the war so they could celebrate in liverpool.— celebrate in liverpool. i feel a bit bored. it celebrate in liverpool. i feel a bit bored- it -- _ celebrate in liverpool. i feel a bit bored. it -- worried _ celebrate in liverpool. i feel a bit bored. it -- worried and - celebrate in liverpool. i feel a bit bored. it -- worried and a i celebrate in liverpool. i feel a bit bored. it -- worried and a bit i bored. it —— worried and a bit nervous _ bored. it —— worried and a bit nervous. worried about what will be there _ nervous. worried about what will be there from — nervous. worried about what will be there. from one side it is a fast and full— there. from one side it is a fast and full of— there. from one side it is a fast and full of life and joyful life, so

i and full of life and joyful life, so i have _ and full of life and joyful life, so i have mixed feelings that i am being _ i have mixed feelings that i am being here happy but my soldiers are fighting _ being here happy but my soldiers are fighting and sitting in... yeah. i have _ fighting and sitting in... yeah. i have mixed _ fighting and sitting in... yeah. i have mixed feelings. with fighting and sitting in... yeah. i have mixed feelings.— fighting and sitting in... yeah. i have mixed feelings. with the war in ukraine still— have mixed feelings. with the war in ukraine still ongoing, _ have mixed feelings. with the war in ukraine still ongoing, there - have mixed feelings. with the war in ukraine still ongoing, there are i ukraine still ongoing, there are concerns about if ukraine winds again. concerns about if ukraine winds atain. ~ ., . concerns about if ukraine winds atain. . . , ., ., concerns about if ukraine winds atain. . , ., ., ., again. we have seen a lot of good in difficult times _ again. we have seen a lot of good in difficult times in _ again. we have seen a lot of good in difficult times in europe _ again. we have seen a lot of good in difficult times in europe over- again. we have seen a lot of good in difficult times in europe over the i difficult times in europe over the timespan, we have managed to difficulties and overcome geopolitical problems in our continent and i am sure we can continue to do that. i think the collaboration in the ebu and eurovision is... the fact we can help each other out in this way is a

demonstration of our strength together. got a heart of steel. none of this com tares got a heart of steel. none of this compares to _ got a heart of steel. none of this compares to your _ got a heart of steel. none of this compares to your crane -- i got a heart of steel. none of this i compares to your crane -- ukraine's compares to your crane —— ukraine's end to. compares to your crane -- ukraine's end to. ~ ., compares to your crane -- ukraine's end to. . ., ., ., ., , , end to. we are honoured to represent our country — end to. we are honoured to represent our country in — end to. we are honoured to represent our country in these _ end to. we are honoured to represent our country in these hard _ end to. we are honoured to represent our country in these hard times. i end to. we are honoured to represent our country in these hard times. we l our country in these hard times. we take all— our country in these hard times. we take all of— our country in these hard times. we take all of that and show the world our message. we will show how ukraine — our message. we will show how ukraine can be different and how strong _ ukraine can be different and how strong ukrainians are and we hope we can inspire _ strong ukrainians are and we hope we can inspire people around the planet to look— can inspire people around the planet to look at— can inspire people around the planet to look at the ukrainians fighting for their— to look at the ukrainians fighting for their land to look at the ukrainians fighting fortheir land and to look at the ukrainians fighting for their land and freedom and families —

for their land and freedom and families. ., . . families. together in electric dreams. families. together in electric dreams- i— families. together in electric dreams. i would _ families. together in electric dreams. i would like - families. together in electric. dreams. i would like everyone families. together in electric i dreams. i would like everyone to feel that we _ dreams. i would like everyone to feel that we in _ dreams. i would like everyone to feel that we in the _ dreams. i would like everyone to feel that we in the uk _ dreams. i would like everyone to feel that we in the uk have i dreams. i would like everyone to feel that we in the uk have done| feel that we in the uk have done ukraine proud. that is what i would love. ., ., ., love. how are you doing liverpool? it is time love. how are you doing liverpool? it is time to — love. how are you doing liverpool? it is time to kick _ love. how are you doing liverpool? it is time to kick off _ love. how are you doing liverpool? it is time to kick off the _ it is time to kick off the eurovision song contest 2023. we are all nervous _ eurovision song contest 2023. we are all nervous and tired and happy but we won't _ all nervous and tired and happy but we won't totally rest until we finish — we won't totally rest until we finish what will hopefully be another live show tomorrow night. this is— another live show tomorrow night. this is the — another live show tomorrow night. this is the eurovision song contest 2025 _ hello, thanks forjoining me.

time to see what's happening on the weather front over the next ten days or so. in the short term, it actually looking fairly promising for many others. i think saturday especially is going to be a nice day with warm sunshine. come sunday, some rain clouds on the horizon. but let's concentrate on saturday and you can see a large area of high pressure across the uk. it won't last for very long, there is a cold front approaching which we will talk about in just a second. focusing on saturday, sunshine right from the word go across many western areas. a little bit of a nip in the air first thing but notice how cloudy it is across many parts of england first thing on saturday. it will take time for the sun to break through the clouds, but eventually it should. maybe some north sea coasts remaining cloudy through the course of the afternoon. so here it will be cooler, say around 14 degrees in hull, but widely the high teens to 20 degrees in cardiff, belfast and glasgow — probably in london as well.

so a beautiful day over all for many others. however, the sun is very strong this time of year and the uv index will be officially high in many parts of the country. now on that cold front, so saturday night into sunday, the high pressure weakens and it basically allows that cold front to gently waft in off the atlantic. it's not going to be roaring through but it will bring a breeze, an increasing breeze to the north—west of the uk. thick cloud and some rain for northern ireland, scotland, the north west of england and we can see the western fringes of wales as well as south—western england. we've got the cooler yellows and even lime greens there. temperatures really struggling in some areas of the north and west. the warmth from the sunshine contracts to the south—east and eastern parts of the uk. could be 22 degrees in london on sunday. and then another area of high pressure builds behind that cold front that will have moved across the country during the weekend. and behind it, we also see fresher air riding around this area of high pressure so the cooler air

from the north atlantic once again slips over the uk and that of course means a cooler atmosphere, the temperatures are going to drop. in fact, if you look at the wind arrows, they are pointing in from the north, pushing in cloud, a few showers because we are still close to a weather front here. it's not going to feel particularly pleasant i think on the north sea coasts or parts of east anglia on monday. really disappointing temperatures for this time of the year, look at that 12 to 15 celsius on monday. not really where we'd like to be in may. here is tuesday's weather map, so still just about the chance of some showers in the south—east, but generally speaking it's a rather large area of high pressure and you can see it here centred just to the west of ireland.

live from london... ..this is bbc news. ukraine's president zelensky is visiting rome where he'll have an audience with the pope and meet the italian president and prime minister. turkey's election candidates take part in the last few hours of campaigning, before the country goes to the polls. and the fans are out in liverpool as excitement builds over the eurovision song contest final. hello. i'm nancy kacungira. ukraine's president volodymyr zelensky has arrived in rome where he is meeting italy's president and prime minister ahead of an audience with pope francis.