live from london, this is bbc news. betting on ukraine, italy's prime minister says her country will support president zelensky for as long as necessary. reaching the final hours of turkey's presidential election, campaigning goes down to the wire. and a celebration of song, liverpool prepares for the final of eurovision. hello, i'm vishala sri—pathma. the ukrainian president volodymyr zelensky has arrived at the vatican for a private audience with pope francis. president zelensky is on a one day trip to italy. this was the moment he arrived at the prime minister's residence in rome, where he was greeted

by italian president sergio mattarella. shortly after this he met the italian prime minister giorgia meloni, who said her country would back ukraine for as long as necessary. she called russia's invastion "brutal and unjust." let's cross to the newsroom now and talk to our europe regional editor paul moss. very busy day for president and clearly some significant political strategy there on his behalf. he has been shoring _ strategy there on his behalf. he has been shoring up _ strategy there on his behalf. he has been shoring up support _ strategy there on his behalf. he has been shoring up support in - strategy there on his behalf. he has been shoring up support in italy - strategy there on his behalf. he has been shoring up support in italy and in many ways this was very much a loving of a visit when giorgia meloni saw this zelensky, they probably embraced each other and as you suggested, she was fulsome in her support and said italy would be a solid ally of ukraine, crucially, she said the war would only end when all russian troops had left all of

ukrainian territory. no sense of a compromise. the italian president was in a similar vein when he said it was an honour to have the latter mercilessly come and visit them. mr zelensky thanked them and said the evil russia was doing in this country, he was sure all italians are sure that attitude. the trouble is that's not actually the case. italy is a more divided country on theissue italy is a more divided country on the issue of ukraine than many in europe and in some cases there are people who actively support russia, but many people are also against sending ukraine any more military aid and indeed more people are against sending military aid and are in favour. you have italian politicians in the government, in the ruling coalition to actually support vladimir putin. this includes silvio berlusconi who counts himself as a personal friend of vladimir putin. you have the leader of the other party who has been photographed in red square with a vladimir putin t—shirt. so although it is all smiles, mr zelensky knows when it comes to italy he does have to win people

over and asked what he will hope to have been doing by making this visit today. we have been doing by making this visit toda . ~ ~ , , today. we think president zelensky is in the vatican _ today. we think president zelensky is in the vatican right _ today. we think president zelensky is in the vatican right now. - today. we think president zelensky is in the vatican right now. what i is in the vatican right now. what you think he is trying to achieve by district italy?— you think he is trying to achieve by district rely?— district italy? this is another interesting _ district italy? this is another interesting visit _ district italy? this is another interesting visit and - district italy? this is another interesting visit and in - district italy? this is another interesting visit and in some| district italy? this is another - interesting visit and in some ways you can think of it as a courtesy call while he was in rome but the p°pi5 call while he was in rome but the pop's attitude is also one of mr zelensky may not be entirely comfortable with. —— pulp... the pope has been wanting to condemn the war crimes and suffering but on the other hand, there are others who feel he could be more critical of russia and he has never criticised vladimir putin personally and there are times when it seems as if the pope will suggest there is blame on both sides. he has quoted a diplomat who said that nato had been barking in russia's door and suggested perhaps that nato was partly to blame for russia's invasion and missed zelensky will want to ensure that the pope, if i can use a

religion expression, is singing of the same she that he is. there is another aspect and that the pope has said he has a secret mission to bring peace to ukraine. well what is that? he hasn't given details and i wonder if mr zelensky will hope that while he is visiting the pope, pope might slip a hint of what that is. what he may worry about and this is speculation is that there is some kind of compromise being suggested in which russia may be allowed to retain ukrainian territory and do something they have worried about, but as i say, we are in the round of sub—speculation and what's going on inside the vatican, we may get an idea later. indie inside the vatican, we may get an idea later. ~ ., inside the vatican, we may get an idea later. ~ . , , . , idea later. we are seeing pictures of president _ idea later. we are seeing pictures of president zelensky _ idea later. we are seeing pictures of president zelensky meeting . idea later. we are seeing pictures. of president zelensky meeting with the pulp and it has been confirmed that his next stop is berlin in germany and what is it trying to achieve there? something similar to what is getting out of italy? in some ways, he isjust going to give

some ways, he is just going to give one very big thank you because germany has just announced the biggest aid package yet, nearly $3 million worth of military hardware, missiles, anti—aircraft, anti—missile weapons, lots and lots of tanks, which ukraine has been asking for. so, yes thank you. and also was forgotten sometimes is that germany is also hosting abouti million ukrainian refugees and i think mr zelensky will appreciate the chance to say thank you for that. but once again, he does have to shore up support in germany. opinion polls suggest the german people are less and less enthusiastic about giving money to ukraine, they are worrying the country cannot afford it. their support for taking an ukrainian refugees also seems to be sliding. mr zelensky will want to make sure that does not go away too much and remember, germany is europe's biggest economy is giving a huge meta— financial support to ukraine so mr zelensky, yes, trying to make

sure the german people and crucially german politicians are on site. thank you very much for that, paul. live now to hannah roberts, who is rome correspondent for politico and she joins us now from the city. hi, hannah and thank you forjoining us. in terms of italy's side of the bargain here, how much of this is going to benefit the prime minister? italians are not that supportive of sending arms to ukraine, although there generally supportive of sanctions, but giorgia meloni came down and ukraine's side as she made it clear they will continue to support ukraine's to find saying that they will ukraine is fighting for the freedom of europe and that peace will only happen when russia withdraws. giorgia meloni is doing well in the polls and she has a very high approval rating so she doesn't have to worry too much about what it

the average italian voter things. what she is more worried about is how herforeign what she is more worried about is how her foreign policy comes across a broad. she has been working very hard even since before she was elected to gain the trust of allies in the us and to appear like a responsible pair of hands. what she is doing with this meeting with zelensky is showing that we are steadfast, unwavering ally of nato and the us and we will continue to be so and that should give her some cover with the financial markets which are always a risk for italy as an indebted country, which italy has problems when when there are waivers... and the cost of its debt can become unsustainable. he waivers. .. and the cost of its debt

can become unsustainable.- waivers... and the cost of its debt can become unsustainable. he is also meetin: can become unsustainable. he is also meeting the — can become unsustainable. he is also meeting the pope. _ can become unsustainable. he is also meeting the pope. clearly _ can become unsustainable. he is also meeting the pope. clearly lots - can become unsustainable. he is also meeting the pope. clearly lots of- meeting the pope. clearly lots of high profile politicians come to rome to visit the pulp. what is this particular state visit going to do for ukraine and also relations between the two countries, do you think? i between the two countries, do you think? ~' between the two countries, do you think? ~ ., �* , between the two countries, do you think? ~ . �* , , , think? i think what's interesting is zelensky will _ think? i think what's interesting is zelensky will have _ think? i think what's interesting is zelensky will have two _ think? i think what's interesting is zelensky will have two very - zelensky will have two very different meetings today. have we have seen giorgia meloni was very supportive of ukraine but the pulp is more worried with the threat to the entire world and the possibility of a nuclear escalation. vatican watchers here believed the pope could likely have urged zelensky not to go ahead with a counteroffensive against russia and to seek a dramatic solution. why zelensky will miss noon or listen is another matter and this is speculation on the pope has been far more measured and much more likely to show sympathy for russia and for any

european leader. fin sympathy for russia and for any european leader.— sympathy for russia and for any european leader. on that, he has been talking _ european leader. on that, he has been talking about _ european leader. on that, he has been talking about proposal- european leader. on that, he has been talking about proposal to i been talking about proposal to mediate between the two countries, something that paul alluded to earlier on and also some lack around the knowledge of what that proposal might be. it something you covered? yes, it is. we covered it when the pope is often said i will go to kyiv but only when i can also go to moscow. so the pope has been constantly trying to reach out to the russian side as well, believing the russian side as well, believing the vatican believes that... we a- ear the vatican believes that... we appear to _ the vatican believes that... we appear to have some technical difficulties unfortunately. hannah roberts in romejoining us on the visit by mr zelensky to visit politicians and all the pope. mr zelensky�*s visit to italy comes as russia has carried out a new wave

of air strikes on kyiv and other cities overnight. the authorities say the military intercepted all drones directed at the capital. but in the southern city of mykolaiv, three people were injured in attacks. and in the western city of khmelnytsky, critical infrastructure as well as residential and government buildings were hit. the latest russian strikes come as ukrainian forces say they have made progress near the eastern city of bakhmut. our correspondent hugo bachega is in kyiv russia carried out another wave of air strikes on ukrainian cities overnight. and the ukrainian military says that 21 drones were fired by russia. iranian—made drones that russia has been using to attack ukrainian towns and cities. in other countries air defence systems intercepted i7 in other countries air defence systems intercepted 17 of those drones. one of the target was the reason of khmelnytsky were civilian infrastructure was hit. this is a transport hub

in the west of ukraine. the authorities say at least 11 people were injured in that part of the country. the city of mykolaiv was also hit and at least three people were injured. these latest attacks happen as ukraine says it has made gains around the city of bakhmut, a key target for russian forces in the east of the country. yesterday, the russian defence ministry seemed to acknowledge that ukrainian forces have made some gains around bakhmut. and it also said that russian forces had abandoned some positions. there was some criticism from the head of the wagner group, yevgeny prigozhin, whose group has been leading the russian efforts to seize bakhmut. he said that what had happened near bakhmut was actually a rout. hugo bachega with the latest there from kyiv. because of the russian invasion, ukraine has been unable to host

the eurovision song contest, despite winning the competition last year. the uk is holding the contest on ukraine's behalf. let's go live to liverpool now and my colleague maryam moshiri who is watching all the action for us. hello from liverpool where after months of build up, the city is preparing to host the final of the eurovision song contest tonight. more than 160 million people across the continent and world are expected to watch. among the favourites to win, sweden. eurovision legend loreen first won the competition in 2012. now she's back, hoping to claim victory for a second time. finland's entry, cha cha cha, is also considered a strong contender for first place.

and reigning champions ukraine are defending their title, with electronic duo tvorchi putting forward the dance number �*heart of steel.�* adrian bradleyjoins us now. he is eurovision reporter with the new statesman hello and good to talk to you. you told me earlier is your seventh eurovision. how does liverpool compare to the other ones you have been to? , . , compare to the other ones you have been to? ,. , .,, compare to the other ones you have beento? my , compare to the other ones you have beento? ,. , , ., ., been to? this city has been amazing. the sun is out. _ been to? this city has been amazing. the sun is out, there _ been to? this city has been amazing. the sun is out, there are _ been to? this city has been amazing. the sun is out, there are happy - the sun is out, there are happy families all over the city and everywhere i have been, every shop, bar has a ukrainian flag is up and european flags and they have eurovision music playing. this city was not kidding when i said i wanted to host a party and i've been really impressed, is one of the best i've been to. sometimes you go to eurovision city and it can feel like, oh, its on, is another event, but liverpool are holding this party

and they are welcoming everyone. find and they are welcoming everyone. and the weather has been fantastic. the fan zone is filling up with so many people. why is eurovision so popular? why does it capture so many people's hearts? i popular? why does it capture so many peeple's hearts?— people's hearts? i think because as it's hard it's — people's hearts? i think because as it's hard it's got _ people's hearts? i think because as it's hard it's got joy _ people's hearts? i think because as it's hard it's got joy and _ people's hearts? i think because as it's hard it's got joy and fun - people's hearts? i think because as it's hard it's got joy and fun and - it's hard it's gotjoy and fun and kitsch and camp and lamb and it is a competition and that brings out that little bit of competitiveness and nationality and talk with your country, but at the same time, all of these acts, they know each other, they perform together on tour around europe and they are friends and family and community and this time we are welcoming a lot of new people into ourfamily we are welcoming a lot of new people into our family and we are welcoming a lot of new people into ourfamily and i think you are seeing so many people that went to the first one i've ever seen a semifinal and they went to a semifinal and they went to a semifinal and they went to a semifinal and now they're like i want to get involved and i want to learn about all the things i have never heard of. i learn about all the things i have never heard of.— learn about all the things i have never heard of. i think you watched some rehearsals. _ never heard of. i think you watched some rehearsals. what _ never heard of. i think you watched some rehearsals. what did - never heard of. i think you watched some rehearsals. what did you - never heard of. i think you watched . some rehearsals. what did you watch? i've been looking _ some rehearsals. what did you watch? i've been looking to _ some rehearsals. what did you watch? i've been looking to go _ some rehearsals. what did you watch? i've been looking to go to _ some rehearsals. what did you watch? i've been looking to go to a _ some rehearsals. what did you watch? i've been looking to go to a lot. - some rehearsals. what did you watch? i've been looking to go to a lot. i - i've been looking to go to a lot. i went to the first semifinal and the rehearsal of the second and last night was a rehearsal of the final. they were amazing shows? incredible

and the energy in the rena is —— arena is electric and the crowd behind every single singer and some more than others. you can hear the songs are connect with the crowd. austria is opening tonight and the crowd going forward. good stuff from belgium also. i crowd going forward. good stuff from belgium alse— crowd going forward. good stuff from belgium also._ it's i belgium also. i love that song. it's beautiful and _ belgium also. i love that song. it's beautiful and a _ belgium also. i love that song. it's beautiful and a simple _ belgium also. i love that song. it's| beautiful and a simple performance but he knows how to do it on camera and he knows how to do it in the rena and the irina is dancing around with him. is rena and the irina is dancing around with him. , ., ., ., �* with him. is that enough for belgium to be at our— with him. is that enough for belgium to be at our course? _ with him. is that enough for belgium to be at our course? absolutely i with him. is that enough for belgium to be at our course? absolutely and | to be at our course? absolutely and if ou to be at our course? absolutely and if you asked — to be at our course? absolutely and if you asked me _ to be at our course? absolutely and if you asked me two _ to be at our course? absolutely and if you asked me two weeks - to be at our course? absolutely and if you asked me two weeks ago, i to be at our course? absolutely and l if you asked me two weeks ago, when he was selected in belgium many eurovision fans wonder someone is to win but now there are him being the favourite. and if he is not top ten i would be shocked. thea;r favourite. and if he is not top ten i would be shocked.— favourite. and if he is not top ten i would be shocked. they could even be to i would be shocked. they could even be ten five- — i would be shocked. they could even be top five. list _ i would be shocked. they could even be top five. list talk _ i would be shocked. they could even be top five. list talk about _ i would be shocked. they could even be top five. list talk about the i be top five. list talk about the runners and riders because this is a singing competition. 160 million viewers watching and they will be wondering who are the favourites.

wing of sweden and finland are up there but which one of them think is going to be a bit? ii there but which one of them think is going to be a bit?— going to be a bit? if you had asked me a week — going to be a bit? if you had asked me a week ago _ going to be a bit? if you had asked me a week ago i — going to be a bit? if you had asked me a week ago i would _ going to be a bit? if you had asked me a week ago i would say - going to be a bit? if you had asked me a week ago i would say it i going to be a bit? if you had asked me a week ago i would say it is i me a week ago i would say it is nailed on persuading, lorraine, but you come here and you see as compared to the numbers and suddenly she starts to feel it burning? i don't know maybe in a bubble of having been around eurovision too long. fenland in the arena is incredible. everyone you speak to my mum said finland will win. does incredible. everyone you speak to my mum said finland will win.— mum said finland will win. does that translate to — mum said finland will win. does that translate to the _ mum said finland will win. does that translate to the jury _ mum said finland will win. does that translate to the jury vote? _ mum said finland will win. does that translate to the jury vote? explain i translate to the jury vote? explain the difference between jury and telly vote. the difference between “my and tell vote. ., ' , ., telly vote. how different they go. it s - lit telly vote. how different they go. it split roughly — telly vote. how different they go. it split roughly half _ telly vote. how different they go. it split roughly half and _ telly vote. how different they go. it split roughly half and half. i telly vote. how different they go. it split roughly half and half. the| it split roughly half and half. the jury it split roughly half and half. the jury is voting on a show i saw last night saw all those performances mattered and they weren't a rehearsal and is votes are in but only one or two people know what they say. and then tonight, that's when the public gets to vote on these performances so it split half

in half. eachjury gives 12 these performances so it split half in half. each jury gives 12 and these performances so it split half in half. eachjury gives 12 and a down to one and each public vote also gives 12, eight and down to one. and then we get a final score with all the points. bud one. and then we get a final score with all the points.— with all the points. and the differences _ with all the points. and the differences between - with all the points. and the differences between what l with all the points. and the i differences between what we with all the points. and the - differences between what we have seen recently is the split screen at the end of the two top contenders and then they announce the ten votes. cannot make a big difference? —— telly votes. bat votes. cannot make a big difference? -- telly votes-— -- telly votes. at the end of the 'u -- telly votes. at the end of the jury vote — -- telly votes. at the end of the jury vote and — -- telly votes. at the end of the jury vote and we _ -- telly votes. at the end of the jury vote and we got _ -- telly votes. at the end of the jury vote and we got those i -- telly votes. at the end of the jury vote and we got those in i -- telly votes. at the end of the | jury vote and we got those in the sand was top of the table and i think ukraine will in fourth at that stage and then the second vote came in and was massive for ukraine and that pushed them to a hugely dominant win.— that pushed them to a hugely dominant win. ~ , ., ., , ., dominant win. with your eurovision exert hat dominant win. with your eurovision expert hat on. _ dominant win. with your eurovision expert hat on, who _ dominant win. with your eurovision expert hat on, who do _ dominant win. with your eurovision expert hat on, who do you - dominant win. with your eurovision expert hat on, who do you think- dominant win. with your eurovision| expert hat on, who do you think the jury would favour and who do you think the telly voters would favour? what do the elements prefer? the 'u is like what do the elements prefer? iie: jury is like good what do the elements prefer? "iie: jury is like good singers what do the elements prefer? i““ie: jury is like good singers and singers i can do complicated singers and can hit the notes. they are often more interested in the valid and well composed song and loreen

has an excellent song in that regard and her voice is incredible. finland, however, is listing the audience and they talk about it and love it and they hear the energy of the arena coming through the screens and they want to shout along the home and that's what's going to make you pick up your phone and say, yes, vote for them. and finland has that. jufy vote for them. and finland has that. jury might say is this a cleverness on? is he singing or wrapping a delay like that? that's hard to tell but remember, it's the one with rock and lawday one with finland with a hard rock number so they are all possible. i think it will be close tonight and whilst i still think loreen will win, its been an whence i will be surprised. talk loreen will win, it's been an whence i will be surprised.— i will be surprised. talk me through the surprise — i will be surprised. talk me through the surprise element. _ i will be surprised. talk me through the surprise element. there - i will be surprised. talk me through the surprise element. there is i the surprise element. there is something happening to note that i don't understand what's going on i'm sure the viewers don't. what don't understand what's going on i'm sure the viewers don't.— sure the viewers don't. what do we exect? sure the viewers don't. what do we expect? that's _ sure the viewers don't. what do we expect? that's a — sure the viewers don't. what do we expect? that's a good _ sure the viewers don't. what do we expect? that's a good question. i sure the viewers don't. what do we | expect? that's a good question. we know there have been some rehearsals behind closed door and i get to see

most of the things rehearsed, but there have been certain bits for the cameras are turned off and we cannot see. what does that mean? is there going to be a very special performer taking part? perhaps something else. there have been rumours but i don't know whether i should say names that i've heard mentioned like a certain former beatle or even a pop princess herself has been rumoured. what will it be? i5 herself has been rumoured. what will it be? , , ., herself has been rumoured. what will it be? , , . not herself has been rumoured. what will it be?_ not always, - it be? is it usual? not always, however. _ it be? is it usual? not always, however. in — it be? is it usual? not always, however, in tel— it be? is it usual? not always, however, in tel aviv _ it be? is it usual? not always, however, in tel aviv they i it be? is it usual? not always, i however, in tel aviv they brought on madonna for a big set and that was kept secret again. all of her rehearsals were done behind closed doors we had no idea what to expect. it has been so informative to talk to you and thank you so much. as i was saying with adrian behind me you can see the fan zone is really kicking off and that's where my colleague is talking to eurovision

fans who come here from all over the world. you couldn't get much more eurovision than this. we have sequins, glitter, flags from everywhere and jed word performing in the background and we can speak to some of them. what do you love about eurovision? the to some of them. what do you love about eurovision?— about eurovision? the party, everything — about eurovision? the party, everything about _ about eurovision? the party, everything about it. - about eurovision? the party, everything about it. where . about eurovision? the party, i everything about it. where have about eurovision? the party, - everything about it. where have you travelled from? _ everything about it. where have you travelled from? how _ everything about it. where have you travelled from? how are _ everything about it. where have you travelled from? how are you - everything about it. where have you. travelled from? how are you enjoying liverpool? amazing. a big glasgow contingent there. glasgow didn't win but it was in the running, how do you feel about liverpool getting it instead? ii you feel about liverpool getting it instead? ., ., ., instead? if anyone had to win, we are lad instead? if anyone had to win, we are glad as _ instead? if anyone had to win, we are glad as liverpool. _ instead? if anyone had to win, we are glad as liverpool. that - instead? if anyone had to win, we are glad as liverpool. that was i instead? if anyone had to win, we are glad as liverpool. that was al are glad as liverpool. that was a very sporting _ are glad as liverpool. that was a very sporting words. _ are glad as liverpool. that was a very sporting words. where i are glad as liverpool. that was a very sporting words. where have are glad as liverpool. that was a i very sporting words. where have you guys come from?— very sporting words. where have you guys come from? spain! and you have been auoin guys come from? spain! and you have been going to — guys come from? spain! and you have been going to eurovision _ guys come from? sn: “ii and you have been going to eurovision every year for the past four years. how does

liverpool compare to other places? it's the best one. the last five or six years is the best will be have ben. ., ., , . six years is the best will be have ben. . .,, . and six years is the best will be have ben._ and hello, i six years is the best will be have | ben._ and hello, people ben. fantastic. and hello, people over here- — ben. fantastic. and hello, people over here. hello. _ ben. fantastic. and hello, people over here. hello. you _ ben. fantastic. and hello, people over here. hello. you are - ben. fantastic. and hello, people over here. hello. you are quite i over here. hello. you are quite reuular over here. hello. you are quite regular eurovision _ over here. hello. you are quite regular eurovision fan. - over here. hello. you are quite regular eurovision fan. how- over here. hello. you are quite. regular eurovision fan. how long have you been following your vision? i have never missed one, but this one is— i have never missed one, but this one is extra — i have never missed one, but this one is extra special because it has sam ryden — one is extra special because it has sam ryder-— one is extra special because it has sadeer. ., �*, ., , . sam ryder. that's a very convincing sam ryder. that's a very convincing sam ryder- — sam ryder. that's a very convincing sam ryder- can _ sam ryder. that's a very convincing sam ryder. can you _ sam ryder. that's a very convincing sam ryder. can you think— sam ryder. that's a very convincing i sam ryder. can you think spaceman? and that's now, that's a no. you missed your chance. hello, ladies. you are more local, from the uk, who are you supporting? mae you are more local, from the uk, who are you supporting?— you are more local, from the uk, who are you supporting?_ and | are you supporting? mae muller. and can ou are you supporting? mae muller. and can you sing — are you supporting? mae muller. and can you sing a — are you supporting? mae muller. and can you sing a bit _ are you supporting? mae muller. and can you sing a bit mother? _ are you supporting? mae muller. and can you sing a bit mother? no. i are you supporting? mae muller. and can you sing a bit mother? no. -- i can you sing a bit mother? no. —— mae muller. wherever you come from.

i live in liverpool. haifa mae muller. wherever you come from. i live in liverpool.— i live in liverpool. how do you feel about the show _ i live in liverpool. how do you feel about the show in _ i live in liverpool. how do you feel about the show in liverpool i i live in liverpool. how do you feel about the show in liverpool has i i live in liverpool. how do you feel| about the show in liverpool has put on? it about the show in liverpool has put on? . , about the show in liverpool has put on? , about the show in liverpool has put on? ., , , ., ., ., , . about the show in liverpool has put on? ., ., ., ,. ., on? it has been amazing and such an atmosphere — on? it has been amazing and such an atmosphere in _ on? it has been amazing and such an atmosphere in the _ on? it has been amazing and such an atmosphere in the city. _ on? it has been amazing and such an atmosphere in the city. so _ on? it has been amazing and such an atmosphere in the city. so great. i i atmosphere in the city. so great. i see ou atmosphere in the city. so great. i see you have _ atmosphere in the city. so great. i see you have a _ atmosphere in the city. so great. i see you have a ukraine _ atmosphere in the city. so great. i see you have a ukraine flag i atmosphere in the city. so great. i see you have a ukraine flag as i atmosphere in the city. so great. i . see you have a ukraine flag as well. what does it mean that your city is hosting a behalf of the uk but on behalf of you crying? i hosting a behalf of the uk but on behalf of you crying?— hosting a behalf of the uk but on behalf of you crying? i think is so important. _ behalf of you crying? i think is so important. they _ behalf of you crying? i think is so important, they have _ behalf of you crying? i think is so important, they have been i behalf of you crying? i think is so i important, they have been through behalf of you crying? i think is so - important, they have been through so much and we want to send our love over there. you look amazing. thank ou. what over there. you look amazing. thank yom what does _ over there. you look amazing. thank you. what does eurovision _ over there. you look amazing. thank you. what does eurovision mean - over there. you look amazing. thank you. what does eurovision mean to i you. what does eurovision mean to you? you. what does eurovision mean to ou? , . , , you. what does eurovision mean to ou? , ~ , , , you? everything, inclusivity, every -e of you? everything, inclusivity, every type of personal. _ you? everything, inclusivity, every type of personal, pure _ you? everything, inclusivity, every type of personal, pure joy. - you? everything, inclusivity, every type of personal, pure joy. we - you? everything, inclusivity, every| type of personal, pure joy. we love it. i don't know what songs are going on right now. i don't know what's happening but as you can see, this isjust happening but as you can see, this is just the start of what is going to be an incredible atmosphere here in the fan village in the build—up

to the eurovision final in just a few hours' time. thank you very much indeed. just to remind you that the eurovision song contest 2023 is on this evening and started apm uk time british summer time is going to be kicked off by the ukraine kalush orchestra. if you want to watch it in the uk you can watch it on bbc one on the bbc iplayer but on bbc website. but for now, back to you in the studio. now it's time for a look at today's sport with gavin ramjaun. lots at stake in the premier league for sides at the both ends of the table. and it's all eyes at st marys — as southampton are under pressure to get a result against fulham —

to avoid relegation today. they have to beat fulham — to be in with a chance of survival. and it's i—0 fulham! carlos vinicius with the goal, shortly after saints had one disallowed. as it stands, they are going down... nottingham forest are h against chelsea. taiwo awonyee with the first half goal there. forest desperate for the points. as they look to stay in the top flight. elsewhere, villa i—0 tottenham. man united i—0 wolves. crystal palace 2—0 bournemouth. about 20 minutes or so left in those games. leeds united remain in the premier league relegation zone, despite coming from behind to take a point against newcastle united in the earlier game. sam allardyce�*s side went ahead through luke ayling — and might have led 2—0, but nick pope, in the newcastle goal saved patrick bamford's penalty. callum wilson scored twice from the spot for third place newcastle,

but rasmus kristensen�*s deflected shot rescued a 2—2 draw for leeds — who held on despitejunior firpo being sent off in the final minutes. crazy, that's an understatement. i don't believe what has happened out there, what we have actually done to ourselves today. in such a spirited and gritty and determined and fight and gritty and determined and fight and a little bit of quality here and there. it's a tremendous point considering the circumstances that we have left ourselves in, that we shouldn't have done. the title race in germany is going to the wire. top of the table bayern munich are currently one of the teams in action. they're playing schalke, who have relegation worries themselves. it's currently 6—0 bayern. there's a big game, in the race for a place in next season's champions league — union berlin are li—2 up against freiburg.

and second place borussia dortmund face borussia monchengladbach later. in scotland, celtic have already secured the title, but glasgow rivals rangers won the last old firm derby of the season 3—0 at ibrox. this todd cantwell put second place rangers ahead in just the fifth minute of the match, beforejohn souttar headed in a second later in the first half. a defensive mix up allowed zambian striker fashion sakala to round celtic keeperjoe hart to seal a comfortable victory. in basketball, lebronjames inspired the la lakers to seal their spot into the western conference finals and eliminated last year's nba winners, the golden state warriors. 38—year—old james scored 30 points as the lakers won 122—101, in los angeles to clinch the best—of—seven series 4—2. the lakers, who finished seventh in the regular season, will play top seeds the denver nuggets in the series to decide who plays in the nba finals. elsewhere, the miami heat beat the new york knicks to reach the eastern conference finals. and that's all the sport for now. loss happening in the premier league but that's all from us.

you're watching bbc news. some eastern and south—eastern parts of england have remained grey and cool and breezy. but for most it will stay sunny. under this area of high pressure with loud wins in the wind is still a feature for the far south—east but this approaching cold front will introduce thicker cloud and outbreaks of rain to western scotland and parts of northern ireland by the end of the night and some cooler behind it and ahead of it most places stay dry under the high pressure but that low cloud starts to roll back in westwards across much of the midlands and eastern england. some clearer slots in between the grey clouds and eastern england and is one of flint brings outbreaks of rain to the north—west of the uk. a different picture for sunday to start of grey and chilly across eastern england

and chilly across eastern england and arklow should melt away and go back to the coast in scotland and northern ireland star is cloudy and wet and that rain advances that and eastwards into england and wales and into the afternoon ahead of it which could set off a few showers. another warm day to come across and in the sunshine and maybe 202i warm day to come across and in the sunshine and maybe 2021 degrees and chilly across scotland and northern ireland despite there being afternoon sunshine in a few scattered showers. and in sunday night a few blustery showers continue in the north—west of scotland but otherwise much of the north and north—west of the uk will be chilly behind a cold front whereas ahead of it and across the eastern south east of england another modish night to come. that weather front clears away and takes the cloud and rain ahead of it and leaves a legacy of northerly winds and also further showers from monday. and that's particularly across northern scotland and showers affecting eastern parts of england. will be the best of the sunshine toward central, southern and western areas and closer to the centre of the high pressure but we will all

notice its will feel cooler with temperatures below the seasonal norm ranging from ten to iii degrees. and you can see that blue hue of cool air hanging around through tuesday and wednesday, particularly across the north and east of the country but milder air will start to push back again toward the end of the week so it does start off chile for the upcoming week and mostly dry thanks to high pressure and a few —— temperature slowly recovering.

this is bbc news — the headlines: president zelensky is currently in the vatican for a private audience with pope francis. this is their first meeting since russia invaded ukraine last year. earlier — volodymyr zelensky met with the italian president and prime minister. giorgia meloni said her country would back ukraine for as long as necessary. turkey's president — recep erdogan — has addressed supporters on the last day of campaigning before sunday's election. he accused his opponent — kamel kilicdaroglu — of planning to sanction russia on the orders of america. his party has been in power for more than 20 years. final preparations are taking place in the english city of liverpool for the eurovision song contest�*s grand final. the event is being held in britain on behalf of ukraine — last year's winners. the pop band tvorchi is presenting this year's ukrainian entry — entitled �*heart of steel'.