how damaging is this for the ebu? i how damaging is this for the ebu?critics argue - they have been accused of a lack of communication and critics argue inl communication and critics argue in 2022, _ communication and critics argue in 2022, days— communication and critics argue in 2022, days after— communication and critics argue in 2022, days after russia's - communication and critics argue in| 2022, days after russia's invasion, they kicked — 2022, days after russia's invasion, they kicked russia _ 2022, days after russia's invasion, they kicked russia out _ 2022, days after russia's invasion, they kicked russia out after- 2022, days after russia's invasion, they kicked russia out after it - they kicked russia out after it invaded — they kicked russia out after it invaded ukraine. _ they kicked russia out after it invaded ukraine. this- they kicked russia out after it invaded ukraine. this time i they kicked russia out after it - invaded ukraine. this time around there _ invaded ukraine. this time around there has— invaded ukraine. this time around th

also last night, the executive director in ebu, when askedif executive director in ebu, when asked if rehearsal he was booed in the arena at such a large level which is completely unprecedented, first that they know who he is and that he would be booed when in the past something like that gets a little appreciative tears or love from the audience. this is a very strange mood and there will be thousands of dutch fans that have come to malmo, but these tickets. i dutch fans that have come to malmo, but these tickets.— but these tickets. i have seen them, i can see them _ but these tickets. i have seen them, i can see them from _ but these tickets. i have seen them, i can see them from here, _ but these tickets. i have seen them, i can see them from here, from - but these tickets. i have seen them, i can see them from here, from the| i can see them from here, from the window if you look behind us, there are dutch fans queueing up and they will be bitterly disappointed. can be a little bit about this event, because you used the word unprecedented there, this has never happened before, has

well, i think the ebu is going _ you balance that?s going to have _ you balance that? well, i think the ebu is going to have to _ you balance that? well, i think the ebu is going to have to have - you balance that? well, i think the ebu is going to have to have a - you balance that? well, i think the | ebu is going to have to have a good long think about how it deals with things. it has coasted along on this slightly sort of bland attitude of being nonpolitical which is never true and never has been truth. it has to sit down and think that eurovision is a brand, what are our brand values and how do we protect them? that will have to involve, i imagine, cutting out some countries which are politically contentious. exactly, they did cut out russia, for example. exactly, they did cut out russia, for example-— exactly, they did cut out russia, for example. they cut out russia because their — for example. they cut out russia because their hand _ for example. they cut out russia because their hand was - for example. they cut out russia beca

— but the ebu, the bosses of eurovision have _ but the ebu, the bosses of eurovision have a - but thehat's _ eurovision have a slogan, united by music, and that's what _ eurovision have a slogan, united by music, and that's what they- eurovision have a slogan, united by music, and that's what they are - music, and that's what they are trying _ music, and that's what they are trying to— music, and that's what they are trying to drive _ music, and that's what they are trying to drive and _ music, and that's what they are trying to drive and ensure - music, and that's what they are | trying to drive and ensure that's what _ trying to drive and ensure that's what people _ trying to drive and ensure that's what people are _ trying to drive and ensure that's what people are latching - trying to drive and ensure that's what people are latching onto. trying to drive and ensure that's . what people are latching onto this year~ _ what people are latching onto this year~ but — what people are latching onto this year~ but it — what people are latching onto this year but it is _ what people are la

the ebu _ tonight. that could continue. thank you, charlotte. the ebu want - tonight.nue. thank you, charlotte. the ebu want us to | you, charlotte. the ebu want us to thinkjust about the you, charlotte. the ebu want us to think just about the music. you, charlotte. the ebu want us to thinkjust about the music. the slogan of eurovision is united by music and one of the big stars of this evening is the italian songwriter and star angelina mango, the italian contingent had gone straight through to the final, and her song is probably one of the top ten favourites for tonight. i caught up ten favourites for tonight. i caught up with hurley and asked about the controversy and tension —— i caught up controversy and tension —— i caught up with her. i feel a lot of tension, like everyone knows. it�*s a little bit difficult to be in the present and enjoy every moment, but we are doing music and that is special gift that is something that i don�*t want to lose and i don�*t want others my instinct to do music and do peace in every way. so i think i can leader this experience in a

i don't think the ebu's stance on that issue will change.ions. throughout the past two weeks it has been incidents and the ebu has not always responded quickly, for instance with the disqualification of the dutch contestant is a great deal of ambiguity about what happened and i spoke to lots of dutch reporters and journalists and members of the team and they want answers and they want them fast. let's cast ahead to next year, it will be held in switzerland. geneva is the home to the ebu, legano if i'm not mistaken it might have been where the first eurovision song contest i think was held. we have any indication which city or region play host? fans in the pressroom had been joking that they will call the show feel the burn and take us to switzerland but we don't know. most countries take an internal bid process because a lot of tourism dollars are at stake so you can expect over the summer switzerland's government put out an open call to cities and they will have to file a brief on to why they should be the city and go from there. i have to

the ebu have lost control of events— peace. the ebu have lost control of events in— peace.ery much, events in malmo. thank you very much. there _ events in malmo. thank you very much, there is _ events in malmo. thank you very much, there is chaos _ events in malmo. thank you very much, there is chaos and - events in malmo. thank you very i much, there is chaos and confusion as you heard, and also here in malmo, the security and police presence has been very, very strong indeed. protest that happened on thursday have started up again today. we can cross live to my colleague is at a protest in another part of malmo. how big the protest today? it�*s part of malmo. how big the protest toda ? �* , , , , part of malmo. how big the protest toda ? v , , , ~ part of malmo. how big the protest toda? i, .. today? it's pretty big. we are robabl today? it's pretty big. we are probably halfway _ today? it's pretty big. we are probably halfway through - today? it's pretty big. we are probably halfway through the | today? it's pretty big. we are - probably halfway through the march throug

i don't think the ebu stance on that is a big issue will change.the past two weeks for your vision for a night recall it has been incidents and the ebu has not always responded quickly, for instance with the disqualification of the dutch contestant is a great deal of ambiguity about what happened and i spoke to lots of dutch reporters and journalists and members of the team and they want answers and they want them fast. �* , u, , want answers and they want them fast. �*, w, ., ., want answers and they want them fast. �*, ., ., ., fast. let's cast ahead to next ear, it fast. let's cast ahead to next year. it will— fast. let's cast ahead to next year, it will be _ fast. let's cast ahead to next year, it will be held - fast. let's cast ahead to next year, it will be held in - year, it will be held in switzerland. geneva is the home to the ebu, if i'm not mistaken it might have and whether first eurovision song contest i think was held. we have any indication which city or region play host?— play host? fans in the pressroom _ play host? fans in the pre

made at the ebu will be looking back and probably thinking to themselves, my word. i feel in the lead up to it in the weeks running up, israel's or just a patient has had protests and calls for boycotts, while there have been many people thinking the country should remain within the contest, too. ithink country should remain within the contest, too. i think the last 2a hours, with spokespeople leaving the competition and not representation

the ebu, those who orianise intruding? the ebu, those who organise the — intruding?ovision song contest, will want you and ari to talk about the music because for them that's what it's about. the slogan is united by music, coined in liverpool last year when they held eurovision there, is very much the focus for them. but of course politics is involved. as you can see from the pictures there have been protests at this 68th annual eurovision. the protests were peaceful, loud. there were maybe 6000, 10,000 people peaceful, loud. there were maybe 6000,10,000 people and expect more protests to happen tomorrow. the protests to happen tomorrow. the protests are all about the israeli entrant, eden golan and her song hurricane. protesters didn't want her included in eurovision this year but the ebu decided to keep her entry in and that she has made it into the grand final tomorrow. it's important to add at this juncture that israel has been taking part in the eurovision song contest since 1973 and they have won it four times. they are second favourite to win this time as well

will be keeping across all the very latest but look, the ebu, the organisers have wanted this to be ayear because is the 50th anniversary of when i buy, defend the swedish group won the contest in brighton and it was held there and we can cross live now and speak to david courtenay and a huge abba fan and at the dawn that day when abba won the contest, how was it? it the dawn that day when abba won the contest, how was it?— contest, how was it? it was my hometown _ contest, how was it? it was my hometown and _ contest, how was it? it was my hometown and leo _ contest, how was it? it was my hometown and leo and - contest, how was it? it was my hometown and leo and i - contest, how was it? it was my hometown and leo and i were l contest, how was it? it was my - hometown and leo and i were guests of this and represented the 0livia entry. and in the afternoon we were there and these four people sitting across in these very gaudy outfits and i said, was that lot and they're like oh, that is the swedish entry and i was like right, 0k. and i was in the 70s or a glam rock and everyone was rea

a eurovision may be the ebu will be looking at and thinking, to themselves, my word.tion has of course had protests and calls for a boycott whilst there have been many people thinking that the country should remain in a contest as well. i think that in the last 2a hours, spokespeople leaving the competition, not representing their country, a disqualification in regards to one of the acts taking place, and of course, going for the person who runs the ebu towards the end of the ceremony. i think that it has been, you know, obviously, a very, sort of, difficult contest for them. i think though, as a piece of tv, it was rather smooth sailing, with no interruptions. it went pretty smoothly, and of course, at the end of it, they ended up having a very standout winner. i think it became about the music towards the last part of the contest, but it will be interesting, of course. this shows to me that eurovision has been terrific to ring up, and i think that i look ahead to next year, you wonder how it will be reflected in that by the time that we go to switzerland.— that by t

and the ebu is taking all safety precautions to make this a safe and united place for everyone.tics of your vision. the final tomorrow and we will keep across that for you. —— politics of eurovision. around the world and across the uk, this is bbc news. this is bbc news. we are going to head to the us now. week four of donald trump's trial has wrapped up in new york. compared to the past two days of testimony with stormy daniels, today was far slower. the lawyers on both sides really got into the nitty—gritty detail of phone records, which provided for rather dry listening. the main witness of the day being donald trump's former white house assistant. 0ur correspondent nada tawfik is in new york for us. we will get into the review of the week as a whole in a moment but first took us through what we need to know about today. yes. first took us through what we need to know about today.— to know about today. yes, as you mentioned _ to know about today. yes, as you mentioned there, _ to know about today. yes, as you mentioned there, it _ to know about today. yes, as you mentioned th

and of course booze for the person who runs the ebu, towards the end of the ceremony.orthem. i obviously a very difficult contest for them. i think though as a piece of tv it was rather smooth sailing. there were no interruptions, it went pretty smoothly, and of course i think at the end of it it ended up with having a very sort of standout winner. i think it became about the music towards the last part of the contest. it will be interesting, of course. this shows to me that a eurovision song contest has been through the wringer and i think as we look ahead to next year you wonder how it will be reflected in that by the time we go to switzerland.— that by the time we go to switzerland. , ., ., , ,., switzerland. there is going to be so much post-analysis, _ switzerland. there is going to be so much post-analysis, isn't— switzerland. there is going to be so much post-analysis, isn't there? in| much post—analysis, isn't there? in terms of focusing on the music, switzerland very much the worthy winner, the code is?— winner, the code is? yes, real performance _ winner, the

the ebu are also saying they want to make it clear that contrary to some media reports and social mediaot involve any other performer or delegation member. they go on to say we maintain a zero tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour at our event and are committed to providing a safe and secure working environment for all staff in the contest. in light of this, they say, joost klein's behaviour towards a team member is deemed in breach of contest rules. so the breaking news there is that the netherlands will not be competing in tonight's grand final. that is pretty unprecedented news. it also means there will only be 25 countries competing tonight. 0ne be 25 countries competing tonight. one of the things in that statement was talk of social media reports this may involve another delegation, there were rumours on social media this involved the israeli delegation but ebu saying that is not the case. regardless, there has been controversy over the involvement of israel and protests are planned here in malmo later today. we can cross live to sarah in malmo, what are we expecting in

the tickets to the final were sold to dutch eurovision fans, so this will be another headache for the ebutinian protests we saw the other day and the protest which we are set to see happen later on ahead of that final. let's take stock now and talk a little bit more about this. with me is james rowe from the eurotrip podcast. good to talk to you. without your twin brother today, callum, good to talk to you. without your twin brothertoday, callum, but always lovely to have you on the programme. talk me through what has happened, what more do we know about the dutch entry and why they have been this qualified? fix, the dutch entry and why they have been this qualified?— been this qualified? a while to 24 hours. in been this qualified? a while to 24 hours- in the _ been this qualified? a while to 24 hours. in the first _ been this qualified? a while to 24 hours. in the first dress _ been this qualified? a while to 24 hours. in the first dress rehearsalj hours. in the first dress rehearsal for tonight's grand final we saw joost come out on the fly parade, this is the pride about is the parade

and then there is a contribution from the ebu each year for the host broadcaster and there is revenuesles. local businesses are getting into the spirit, and this brewery is marking the occasion with a special beer. we want to be a part of what's happening in malmo and being involved in our local community. we need the city to do events like this, to have people coming here. hotels also hope it will attract more visitors. we have a lot of uk and a lot of southern european countries as well and people as far away as from australia staying with us. it's bigger, it's a lot more in the media. what it does, it puts a small town like malmo on the map. it's the third time malmo is hosting, but eurovision is now much bigger, and officials here are betting on a lasting legacy. it's a big deal. we know from 2013 that it made a huge difference for the city. the legacy onwards has been very good for us. malmo arena has been able to refer to the eurovision song contest when they bid for other big events. but not all hotel rooms are fully booked and many fans are staying in nearby copenhagen. palesti

the uk is part of the big five, the countries that contribute the most to the ebu, and they automaticallyl. but for the first time, they will perform live in the semis. and it's fair to say that olly alexander isn't doing things by halves. # take me back to the beginning # again...# but this year's contest has an undertone of tension, with calls for some acts, including the uk, to boycott the event over the israel—gaza war. i think it's really important that people are able to protest and people voice their opinions. also myself, i think it's really important to... to not stay silent. # every day i'm losing my mind...# israel is competing. eden golan�*s song hurricane is a rewritten version of her first entry, october rain, which was thought to reference the hamas attacks of october the 7th. the tension means security is a real focus, but police in malmo say they are ready. we have high security around the israeli delegation, but we also have a high security for the other delegations from the other countries. so i think it's important for us that all of them feel safe when they are coming

the uk is part of the big five, the countries that contribute the most to the ebu, and they automaticallybut for the first time they will perform live in the semis. and it's fair to say that 0lly alexander isn't doing things by halves. # take me back to the beginning. # again #. but this year's contest has an undertone of tension, with calls for some acts, including the uk, to boycott the event over the israel—gaza war. i think it's really important that people are able to to protest and people voice their opinions. also myself, i think it's really important to. to not stay silent. # every day i'm losing my mind #. israel is competing. eden golan's song hurricane is a rewritten version of her first entry, 0ctober rain, which was thought to reference the hamas attacks of october the 7th. the tension means security is a real focus, but police in malmo say they are ready. we have high security around the israeli delegation, but we also have a high security for the other delegations from the other countries. so i think it's important for us that all of them feel safe when they are coming to m

i think it's great that they have that the ebu didn't, they have that the ebu didn't, they didn't backn cowardly from the protesters and they included israel and let and didn't like tamper with votes or anything . anything. >> they let them through the final i understand it, i personally disagree with their involvement and a lot of the stuff that's happened in the past 24 hours, generally in eurovision, like with the possible disqualification of the dutch representative or the videos coming out from inside the arena in general, it's become a bit too much. >> we're here to enjoy the stuff. bambi is here to enjoy it and we're not bringing politics into it at all. >> i'm not particularly political, so i tend to stay out of it. and i think a competition like this, it's about bringing people together, not, you know, trying to cause a lot of diversity. so, you know, i'm sorry, division. you know, i just don't think that's the right kind of attitude to have about eurovision. >> we have managed to avoid most of anything that's going on. and i think to be fair, it's been a little bit exaggerate

the ebu is taking all safety precautions to make this a safe and united place for everyone.nk it is safe for everyone. lewis: the politics thereof eurovision final tomorrow. we will keep on track for you. this is bbc news. ♪ ♪ lewis: this is bbc news. we will go to the u.s. week four of donald trump's trial has wrapped up in new york. the past two days of testimony with stormy daniels. today was far slower. lawyers on both sides get into the intricate details of phone records which provided slightly drier listening matter. the main witness of the day being donald trump former white house assistant. let's get details of what happened. our correspondent is in new york. we will get into the review of the week as a whole in a moment. just talk us through what we need to know about today. >> yeah, as you mentioned, there was a far slower day in court. the court finished at about midday so half a day here. it was a day sandwiched in between one massive witness who was stormy daniels the day before, and a very big witness coming up, trump's former lawyer michael cohen. today, as yo

must be about to do the dishes, bambi, said the ebu.opean broadcasting union who run eurovision, prevented her from displaying a pro—palestinian message during her performance during the same semi—final. during an earlier rehearsal on tuesday , the rehearsal on tuesday, the israeli contestant, eden golan, was booed in the auditorium and protesters shouted free palestine! one audience member had a palestinian flag taken off them . rebecca sills said . since them. rebecca sills said. since lovely stuff, her song hurricane was rewritten three times after an initial version titled october rain was ruled by the ebu as too political due to lyrics which they thought condemned the 7th october hamas attacks on israel and woke politics. the hamas slaughter of civilians must never be condemned. her song hurricane was rewritten, we've done that. just a second. i'm just going to scroll to the end . oh, my god, scroll to the end. oh, my god, it's taken so long. here we go. here we go. okay, some people have said palestine should be represented instea

i'm sure ebu, the organisers, of the contest, will be heaving a sigh of relief that it is all over.amazing. i have loved every moment of it. let's get more from dale roberts in canberra — he's the host of aussievision podcast. how is it for you? it was very early morning _ how is it for you? it was very early morning start - how is it for you? it was very early morning start in - early morning start in australia. it was 5am when we got up to watch it. it was an incredible show and a very worthy winner, that eurovision fans are very happy with considering what could have happened. considering what could have happened-— considering what could have happened. talk through that performance. _ happened. talk through that performance. just _ performance. just extraordinary, the way they were spinning around on the podium! terrifying to watch, really! podium! terrifying to watch, reall ! ,, . , ., podium! terrifying to watch, reall! ,, . , ., ., really! quite incredible. to do the wrapper. _ really! quite incredible. to do the wrapper, operatic, - really! quite incredible. to do the wrapper

the ebu is not what the eurovision is. the ebu . what the eurovision is. the ebu.s this is the contestants, the community behind it, the love and the power and the support of all of us is what is making change. and the world has spoken . the queers the world has spoken. the queers are coming. non—binary for the win, i like it, i'm so proud. >> i'm so proud of. >> i'm so proud of. >> yeah. okay. all right, well, look, she's she's heterosexual. that person. she's got a boyfriend who was parading around eurovision. so where does the term does this woman queer come into it? >> does this woman understand when she's talking about palestine in the middle east? does she understand what they do to gay people? >> yeah. we know. does she have any idea? >> okay, well, look, something stupid, something a little bit more, wholesome, i guess, in educational. labour mp chris bryant. i've had my own run ins with him before. nigel farage has as well on twitter and in real life. but he did something very important today. he took to social media to make an announcement about his own h

the uk is part of the big five, the countries that contribute the most to the ebu, and they automaticallyive in the semis. and it's fair to say that olly alexander isn't doing things by halves. # take me back to the beginning # again...# but this year's contest has an undertone of tension, with calls for some acts, including the uk, to boycott the event over the israel—gaza war. i think it's really important that people are able to protest and people voice their opinions. also myself, i think it's really important to... to not stay silent. # every day i'm losing my mind...# # every day i'm losing my mind... # israel is competing. eden golan's song hurricane is a rewritten version of her first entry, october rain, which was thought to reference the hamas attacks of october the 7th. the tension means security is a real focus, but police in malmo say they are ready. we have high security around the israeli delegation, but we also have a high security for the other delegations from the other countries. so i think it's important for us that all of them feel safe when they are coming to malmo.

and of course the booing for the person who runs the ebu towards the end of the ceremony.t i think is a piece of tv was quite smooth sailing. there were no interruptions and it went pretty smoothly and at the end of it ended up smoothly and at the end of it ended up with having a very standout winner. i think it became about the music towards the last part of the contest but it will be interesting because it shows to me that eurovision has been through the wringer and as we look ahead to next year, you wonder how it will be reflected in that by the time we go to switzerland.— to switzerland. there will be so much post-analysis _ to switzerland. there will be so much post-analysis and in - to switzerland. there will be so - much post-analysis and in terms of much post—analysis and in terms of focusing on the music. switzerland, you are saying that the code was a worthy winner and quite a performance. fix, worthy winner and quite a performance.— worthy winner and quite a erformance. �* . , ., ., . _ performance. a real performance by nemo. performance. a real performance by n

this week�*s contest has been mired in controversy, protests and problems for the european ebu.*ll have all the latest in a minute�*s time. —— in a few minutes�* time. hundreds of people have been killed and thousands of homes destroyed by majorflooding in northern afghanistan. thousands of demonstrators in georgia have again taken to the streets of tbilisi in the latest protest against legislation that would force organisations to declare foreign funding. and the most powerful solar storm in 21 years triggers celestial light shows in many parts of the world, with scientists expecting another display later this evening. hello, i�*m samantha simmonds. the israeli military says about 300,00 palestinians have left the city of rafah since monday, when israel told them to move to a nearby district of gaza. the israel defence forces have declared a narrow coastal strip at al—mawasi to be a safe humanitarian zone, but the un says it has no running water or proper sanitation. israel is planning an assault on hamas fighters in rafah and has ordered tens of thousands more residents from e

the uk is part of the big five, the countries that contribute the most to the ebu, and they automatically semis and it's fair to say that only alexander isn't doing things by halves. take me back to the beginning. again. take me back to the beginning. aaain. , take me back to the beginning. aain, , , ., �* , take me back to the beginning. aaain. _ ., �*, , take me back to the beginning. aaain. _ , again. this year's contest has an undertone _ again. this year's contest has an undertone of _ again. this year's contest has an undertone of tension - again. this year's contest has an undertone of tension with l an undertone of tension with calls for some acts, including the uk, to boycott the event over the israel — gaza war. i think it's really important that people are able to protest and people voice their opinions. also, myself, ithink it's really important to not stay silent and that's why also, i collaborated with several artists this year to write a written letter which is still on my instagrammed. every da , i'm still on my instagrammed. every day. i'm losing _ still on my instagramme

we are waiting for the ebu to give us some information. a look at what is happening. it is very very busy. before i talk to some very special fans, from ireland, let me tell you about someone i spoke to earlier. ice bug to a huge counter in australia, courtney. this is how excited she is about your vision. i am so excited to be here. there is a lot of— am so excited to be here. there is a lot of queer— am so excited to be here. there is a lot of queer representation. i love the act _ lot of queer representation. i love the act from switzerland. and the one from — the act from switzerland. and the one from ireland. i love finland. i have _ one from ireland. i love finland. i have laid — one from ireland. i love finland. i have laid down and accepted that i love finland. the onstage nudity, i identify— love finland. the onstage nudity, i identify with. i know what it is like _ identify with. i know what it is like. . . identify with. i know what it is like. ., ., ., like. can i ask you about the favourites? _ like. can i ask you about the fa

and then there is a contribution from the ebu each yearfor the host broadcast and revenue from sponsorsasion with a special beer. taste areas marking the occasion with a special beer.— a special beer. we want to be a art of a special beer. we want to be a part of what — a special beer. we want to be a part of what is _ a special beer. we want to be a part of what is happening i a special beer. we want to be a part of what is happening in i part of what is happening in malmo and being involved in our local community. we need the city to do events like this, to have people come here. they ho -e it have people come here. they hope it will— have people come here. they hope it will attract _ have people come here. they hope it will attract more i hope it will attract more visitors. we have a lot of uk, a lot of southern european countries as well and people as far away as australia stay with us. it is bigger and it puts a small town like malmo on the map. it is the third time malmo is hosting but you revision is now much bigger and officials here are betting on a lasting legacy. tt here are

it's been a difficult week for the ebu who organised the competition but tonight the music spoke forsic spoke for itself. it did. the performances on stage l music spoke for itself. it did. . the performances on stage were incredible — the performances on stage were incredible and at times, it seemed _ incredible and at times, it seemed like all the controversy had been — seemed like all the controversy had been forgotten, like when we saw— had been forgotten, like when we saw switzerland, france did an incredible performance, ukraine, _ an incredible performance, ukraine, ireland. there were some — ukraine, ireland. there were some moments, there was booming again— some moments, there was booming again in— some moments, there was booming again in the — some moments, there was booming again in the audience for the israeli — again in the audience for the israeli act and also for the executive director of eurovision. he was loudly booed at points, — eurovision. he was loudly booed at points, which i think is the first— at points, which i think is the first time _ at points, which i thi

now the ebu has clarified that his removal from the contest has nothing to do with any other contestantsr nafions do with any other contestants or nations present at this event. it is purely about this alleged incident on the thursday evening. so more drama as we prepare for that final tonight. controversy. certainly increasing as those concerns about those pro—palestine demonstrators also rise. we saw over 10,000 here on thursday, including greta thunberg, the leading environmentalist campaigner from sweden . here, of campaigner from sweden. here, of course, the swedish police i've spoken to today reckoned that similar numbers could arrive and i'll be here for all the developments throughout the day. >> i mean, just briefly, charlie , is there a increased security presence there? is it obviously visible? because, i mean, sweden , it hasn't been without its challenges in the eyes of terrorism . terrorism. >> that's right darren, and sweden has a four out of five on its internal terror threat level. that's its assessment of the plausibility of potential terror attacks. at the same time, he

she said, i cannot find the logical explanation for why the ebu is doing this.p? who does this help? >> only the eurosceptics , only >> only the eurosceptics, only the eurosceptics. >> gosh, yes, it only helps the eurosceptics. well, it may well be that the european parliament finds itself with rather a few more eurosceptics , judging by more eurosceptics, judging by all the polling data out there in the european union, lots of shift towards that way of thinking. >> i'm just very , very glad, >> i'm just very, very glad, emily, that the european commission is focusing on such serious subjects because there is nothing more vitally important for the eu commission president to be talking about, to be issuing statements on, than how many flags were allowed into the audience at eurovision, she says. nothing else going on in the world, she says. >> i will talk to them. i won't let this pass. i will seek explanations and clarifications. well, there you go. the eurovision drama keeps giving, doesn't it? keeps giving, shall we get your headlines? >> good afternoon. from

there are protests, controversy and a headache for the european ebu who have organised the event.

made at the ebu will be looking back and probably thinking to themselves, my word. had protests and calls for boycotts, while there have been many people thinking the country should remain within the contest, too. ithink country should remain within the contest, too. i think the last 2a hours, with spokespeople leaving the competition and not representation their country, and of course booing from martin auster, i think it has been obviously a difficult contest for them. been obviously a difficult contest forthem. i been obviously a difficult contest for them. i think as of piece of tv, it was smooth sailing and no interruptions. it went pretty smoothly, and i think at the end of it, ended up with having a very standout winter. i think it became out the last part of the contest, but this shows to me that the revision has been through the wringer and as we look ahead, you wonder how we rug reflected. the best television programmes of 2023 will be honoured at tonight's bafta tv awards in london. sucession and the bbc�*s police drama happy valley both have five nominat

martin and i think the european broadcasting union, the ebu , the organisers union, the ebu, the organisersthe event in a way will be pleased that it was switzerland that came out on top last night. the neutral country in a debate and a contest that has been marked by political controversy and, of course, significant discussion around the involvement of the israeli contender eden golan. she placed fifth in the end, securing very high numbers in the public vote around europe. but it was the swiss act, as you said, that came out on top with a significant jury vote. the croatian contestant lasagne baby, who was the bookies favourites to win the odds on favourites to win the odds on favourite by quite a considerable margin, coming second. but they also topped the pubuc second. but they also topped the public vote. the jury is not backing them up in the end, but while the contest went on, it wasn't devoid of more of that political discussion that we saw throughout the week . ahead of throughout the week. ahead of the grand final, some of the contestants used their performances as an opportunity

i've decided to join the boycott because of israel's inclusion and i feel because the ebu has forcedpean broadcasting union? yes. would you _ contest. the european broadcasting union? yes. would you say - contest. the european broadcasting union? yes. would you say to i contest. the european broadcasting union? yes. would you say to the i union? yes. would you say to the revious union? yes. would you say to the previous guest — union? jazz would you say to the previous guest who says it is an apolitical contest, is that your view of it?— view of it? no, i discovered eurovision _ view of it? no, i discovered eurovision in _ view of it? no, i discovered eurovision in 2014 - view of it? no, i discovered eurovision in 2014 through l view of it? no, i discovered i eurovision in 2014 through my husband after moving to the uk and one of the things i fell in love with when i discovered it was how political it was, it was like a lesson in european politics, the countries that vote for each other, the countries that never give points to each other. i attended in sweden in 2016 when ukraine won

the uk is part of the big five, the countries that contribute the most to the ebu, and they automaticallyhe first time they will perform live in the semis. and it's fair to say that 0lly alexander isn't doing things by halves. # take me back to the beginning... but this year's contest has an undertone of tension, with calls for some acts, including the uk, to boycott the event over the israel—gaza war. i think it's really important that people are able to to protest and people voice their opinions. also myself, i think it's it's really important to... to not stay silent. # every day i'm losing my mind... israel is competing. eden golan's song hurricane is a rewritten version of her first entry, 0ctober rain, which was thought to reference the hamas attacks of october the 7th. the tension means security is a real focus, but police in malmo say they are ready. we have high security around the israeli delegation, but we also have a high security for the other delegations from that country. so i think it's important for us that all of them feel safe when they are coming to malmo. so even if t

i think there will be major questions aimed towards the ebu in terms of the communications around thist. it will be interesting to see, there have been many calls towards a boycott and whether that will go towards the viewing figures and will have the uk figures later this morning. in regards to the overwhelming figure, normally it's surpasses 160 million and we will get a sense of that in the days and weeks to come. scett the days and weeks to come. scott brian, the days and weeks to come. scott brian. thank— the days and weeks to come. scott brian, thank you. _ talking about the women's fa cup final, and that is coming up on bbc one later. this will be significant because the trophy will have a new name on that, either manchester united or tottenham. tottenham, is the biggest game for them in the history. they have never reached a major final before. for manchester united, an opportunity to write what was wronged last year. it was such a fantastic family event at wembley stadium and i was there with so many girl football players and it was a really brilliant event. it is girl footbal

now what the ebu say is, no, there's not. saying that the reason that russia was expelled was because their state broadcaster was was broadcasting propaganda. and that goes against their rules on free speech. yes. there arguing that israel is not doing the same thing. i'm sure there'll be other people who are saying would would say completely differently . differently. >> time is of the essence. so let's move on to this story about george galloway, which is in the sunday times. galloway they allege, lied to millions onune they allege, lied to millions online that mrs. zelenskyy blew $1 million on jewellery and this is a story really about whether he is being a, quote, useful idiot for russia in trying to smear mrs. zelenskyy. but on a wider level, i mean, the subdeck of this headline is suggesting that he hasn't been seen much in the constituency of rochdale since he got elected . how much since he got elected. how much of a threat is galloway to the labour party? do you think you might keep rochdale the general election beyo

and, the ebu is taking all safety precautions , to make this safety precautions, to make this a safenited place for everyone. and, so i think it's safe for everyone. and we wouldn't be here for any other reason . reason. >> i mean, the whole thing is so intimidatory, but because these people appear to believe they hold the moral high ground, it's fine to effectively besiege a young woman in her hotel room by gathering and chanting outside it. in 2022, we finally produced a decent song, sam ryder with spaceman. this time . his spaceman. this time. his face. but we didn't win because of the war in ukraine. before that, it was punishment for brexit, which is perhaps why we subconsciously put forward such atrocious songs. none of this though, has anything to do with music. eurovision has become politicised and a politicised nonsense fest, and it's no longer about the song. or am i missing something ? well, let's missing something? well, let's get the thoughts of my panel . get the thoughts of my panel. former bbc chief political correspondent john sergeant, commentator joanna joana jarju

he had been suspended soon after , but the suspended soon after, but the ebu, the european broadcastingtion as to what occurred and why they had gone through with that suspension. he didn't rehearse yesterday. he will not compete tonight. eurovision is . down to 25 finalists. >> he very much charlie rowley. so what do we make of this? what impact is that going to have on the contest this evening? >> this is huge news because joost klein was actually, you know, bookies odds to be in the top five. he was going to do really well. europa or is he sings it. europa was a banger. i'm not going to lie. like. and it went off really well. what doesit it went off really well. what does it mean, it's just like daddy of europe, essentially. it was like daddy? yeah, the daddy you like, you know, but it's so eurovision. he went down a storm with, reporters backstage who were over there. the delegations . and so this is huge. and obviously we've been waiting to find out what's been going on because the final is tonight. and so to have him acts at the last minute is crazy. but it's right that they've do

i think it's great that they have that the ebu didn't they didn't back down cowardly from the protestersand they included israel and let and didn't like tamper with votes or anything. >> they let them through the final i understand it. >> i personally disagree with their involvement and a lot of their involvement and a lot of the stuff that's happened in the past 24 hours, generally in eurovision , like with the eurovision, like with the possible disqualification of the dutch representative or the videos coming out from inside the arena in general, it's become a bit too much. >> we're here to enjoy the stuff, bambi is here to enjoy it, and we're not bringing politics into it. >> i'm not particularly political, so i tend to stay out of it, and i think a competition like this, it's about bringing people together, not, you know, trying to cause a lot of diversity. so, you know, i'm sorry, division. you know, i just don't think that's the right kind of attitude to have about eurovision. we have managed to avoid most of anything that's going on. >> and i think, to be fair, it's been a little