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The most watched non-sporting event in the world finally gets under way this week, as the Eurovision Song Contest hits Liverpool.

More than 160 million people will tune in over the next few days as Merseyside hosts the annual competition on behalf of last year’s winners, Ukraine.

As you know by now, Kalush Orchestra won the 2022 contest in Turin, with their ode to mothers, Stefania.

But obviously, the show couldn’t be held there while Russia wages war on its neighbour, so the organisers said the BBC would host the contest this year, largely due to Sam Ryder coming second with Space Man.

Tickets for the live shows (of which there are nine!) sold out in less than 40 minutes, and hotels in the city were snapped up at breakneck speed as British fans of the contest try to get their glimpse of Eurovision history.

So who should we be listening out for? What tracks do the bookies like? Who has the tune that will make us laugh, and what happens during the week?

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Who is hosting?

The BBC acts as host broadcaster for the UK, as a member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) – a group of outlets across the continent (and beyond) that are publicly funded.

On stage in Liverpool for the live shows will be:
• Ted Lasso and musical theatre star Hannah Waddingham
• Former Britain’s Got Talent judge and garage music legend Alesha Dixon
• Ukrainian musician and presenter Julia Sanina
• Chat show host and Eurovision icon Graham Norton

Mel Giedroyc will share commentating duties with Norton during the final, while Rylan Clark and Scott Mills will take charge for the semi-finals.

Graham Norton, Alesha Dixon, Julia Sanina and Hannah Waddingham will host the events. Pic: BBC
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Graham Norton, Alesha Dixon, Julia Sanina and Hannah Waddingham will host the events. Pic: BBC

Who is taking part?

To start with, 37 countries will take part across the week, and be whittled down to 26 for the final.

Six countries get automatic entry into the main show – Ukraine as previous winners, followed by the “big five” of the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy – the countries who contribute the most financially to the event.

Going in semi-final one will be: Norway, Malta, Serbia, Latvia, Portugal, Ireland, Croatia, Switzerland, Israel, Moldova, Sweden, Azerbaijan, Czech Republic, Netherlands and Finland.

Going in the second semi-final are: Denmark, Armenia, Romania, Estonia, Belgium, Cyprus, Iceland, Greece, Poland, Slovenia, Georgia, San Marino, Austria, Albania, Lithuania and Australia.

And to just get in before you ask “why Australia?” – it is a member of the EBU (and therefore eligible) and is Eurovision MAD.

Russia will not participate, after being banned from the event by the EBU.

Voyager rehearsing Promise for Australia at the First Rehearsal of the Second Semi-Final at Liverpool Arena. Pic: EBU/Corrine Cumming
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Australia is a full member of the EBU – meaning they can take part in Eurovision – this year it’s rock band Voyager representing the country. Pic: EBU/Corrine Cumming

How does voting work?

There have been a few changes to the voting system this year, which could make a huge difference to the outcome.

The semi-finals will be decided by telephone votes alone – with no juries making decisions for those nights.

For the final, both the national juries of each country (made up of industry experts) and public votes will decide a winner.

And for the first time, viewers from non-participating countries will be allowed to vote in each show, with an aggregated result presented as “Rest of the World”.

Countries award 12 points to their favourite act, with 10 for second, 8 for third, then down to one for the others.

Jury votes are announced first, and they are the ones revealed by national spokespersons (Good evening Liverpool it’s Paris calling, for instance), followed by a very tense, and speedy, addition of the phone vote results.

Last year, the UK’s Sam Ryder topped the jury voting leader board, but was nudged into second after the public tally was added.

15 May 2022, Italy, Turin: The team around Sam Ryder from Great Britain during the scoring in the final of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC). The international music competition is being held for the 66th time. In the final are 25 songs of originally 40 music entries. Germany came in last place. Photo by: Jens B'ttner/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images
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Sam Ryder during the voting in 2022, where he ended the night placed second. Pic: AP

Who are the favourites?

Sweden. It’s always Sweden – it is the master of contemporary Eurovision.

Loreen returns to the contest, after winning it in 2012 with Euphoria, with her new song Tattoo.

She smashed the country’s (six-week long!) selection contest, and is odds-on favourite to storm up the leader board in Liverpool too.

Winning this year would put Sweden level with Ireland for most wins (seven!) AND make Loreen the first woman to win it more than once.

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‘I want to create something that matters’

But it’s not certain.

Finland is also having a strong showing with Käärijä’s hyper-pop-rap tune Cha Cha Cha – a track he described to Sky News as “very much power and energy and fire”.

The 29-year-old is also known for wearing his neon green sleeves-only puffer jacket and unique haircut.

Kaarija in Liverpool. Pic: EBU/Corrine Cumming
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Kaarija in his eye-catching outfit. Pic: EBU/Corrine Cumming
Ukrainian Eurovision contestant TVORCHI band performs at a concert before departure to the Eurovision contest in Liverpool during the fundraiser event in the central train station in Kyiv, Friday, April 28, 2023. Fundraising platform UNITED24 with support of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine announced the start of a fundraiser for incubators for premature babies. (AP Photo/Zoya Shu)
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Tvorchi performing at Ukraine’s selection show in an underground train station. Pic: AP

Ukraine, of course, is also up there in the betting, with Tvorchi’s track Heart of Steel, and will be desperately hoping to win once more, so the contest can be taken back home – the pair were selected during a show hosted in a working, public and open underground train station.

Spain’s Blanca Paloma, Norway’s Alessandra and France’s La Zarra are also expected to put in a challenge for the top spot.

Which tracks should you listen out for?

Look, it’s not just the winning, is it? It’s about what tracks you are going to hum for a week, and those typically Eurovision-style songs.

Austria could take the crown for this year’s most bizarre song – with Teya and Salena’s entry Who The Hell Is Edgar?, which is all about the ghost of American writer Edgar Allan Poe.

They told Sky News the track was the result of improvisation and a bit of fun, which now sees them on the biggest stage in music.

Teya & Salena rehearsing Who The Hell Is Edgar? for Austria at the First Rehearsal of the Second Semi-Final at Liverpool Arena. Pic: EBU/Corinne Cumming
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Teya & Salena asking just ‘who the hell is Edgar?’ during rehersals. Pic: EBU/Corinne Cumming

Croatia also has a pretty odd song – with shock-rock band Let 3 singing their track Mama SC.

Lyrics (sung in Croatian) include, “Mama bought the tractor”, “Armageddon granny” and “War, war, evil little psychopath” – and they’ll be dressed in colourful military uniforms which appear to be inspired by The Beatles’ Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club.

An anecdote in long-running celeb-gossip newsletter Popbitch suggests the group have been in trouble in their native Croatia for performing naked. More than once.

Also listen out for Australia, which has sent Voyager – a veteran prog-metal band who said their track is like “Duran Duran, but heavy” – which should do well with UK voters.

Let 3 rehearsing Mama ....! for Croatia at the Second Rehearsal of the First Semi-Final at Liverpool Arena. Pic: Sarah Louise Bennett
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Let 3 rehearsing at Liverpool Arena. Pic: Sarah Louise Bennett

How might the UK do?

Mae Muller is the UK’s hopeful this year, with a poppy, energetic break-up tune called I Wrote A Song.

The track has been well received, shooting up the UK charts and getting a very loud reception at the warm-up shows across Europe.

It should comfortably make at least the top 10 on the night – helped by the song’s full graphics production, dance routine and crowd pleasing “da dada dada da” section.

Mae Muller rehearsing I Wrote A Song for the United Kingdom at the First Rehearsal of the Grand Final at Liverpool Arena. Pic: Sarah Louise Bennett
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Mae Muller will perform for the UK. Pic: Sarah Louise Bennett

Who else is performing?

Kalush Orchestra return to the contest as last year’s victors to open the final, while Sam Ryder will perform in the interval.

A number of Ukrainian acts from years past will perform during the flag parade in the final, featuring the likes of Go_A, 2016 winner Jamala, and cult Eurovision legend Verka Serduchka (the name might not ring a bell, but you’ll recognise them when you see them…).

Popular recent acts from across the continent have also been flown in for a “Liverpool Songbook” section, with will see performers such as Israel’s Netta, Italy’s Mahmood, Sweden’s Cornelia Jakobs, the Netherlands’ Duncan Lawrence, and probable winner of the cancelled 2020 contest – Iceland’s Dadi Freyr.

Dadi og Gagnamagnid from Iceland perform via video link during rehearsals at the Eurovision Song Contest at Ahoy arena in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, May 19, 2021. A member of Dadi og Gagnamagnid tested positive for COVID-19 and the band made the decision to withdraw from performing in this year's live Eurovision Song Contest shows, as they only want to perform together as a group. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
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Dadi Freyr and his family band never made it to the stage in 2021 and rehearsal footage had to be used – but he now gets to avenge that night. Pic: AP

Scouse hero Sonia also performs in the final, while Rita Ora and Rebecca Ferguson go in the first semi.

But rumours are continuing to swirl of a major big name act for the final that hasn’t been revealed – so keep your eyes open during the interval.

How can I watch?

Sky News will of course be there in Liverpool with updates, a live blog, and all the biggest news from the contest.

The BBC is host broadcaster, but fans also able to use YouTube and TikTok, as well as watch live on screens around the country, in places like Nottingham and London, as well as numerous pubs, bars and clubs that will hold watch parties.

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Man arrested after death of Gogglebox star George Gilbey is released under investigation

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Man arrested after death of Gogglebox star George Gilbey is released under investigation

A man arrested in connection with the death of Gogglebox star George Gilbey has been released under investigation.

The man, who is in his 40s, was arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with Gilbey’s death on Thursday.

The 40-year-old star reportedly died following an accident at work on Wednesday.

Essex Police said: “As part of our ongoing investigation into the death of a man in Campfield Road, Shoebury, on Wednesday 27 March, a man aged in his 40s from the Witham area was arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.

“He has now been released under investigation.

“This is a joint investigation with the Health and Safety Executive and our enquiries are ongoing.”

Police previously said they were called to an incident in Shoebury at around 10am on Wednesday after “a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury”.

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Gilbey was best known for appearing on the Channel 4 show alongside his mother Linda McGarry and stepfather Pete McGarry, who died in 2021 aged 71.

George Gilbey. Pic: Shutterstock
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Reality star Gilbey. Pic: Shutterstock

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The family first appeared on the second series of Gogglebox in 2013 but were dropped the following year when the reality star signed up for the 14th series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2014, reaching the final.

Gilbey appeared on the Channel 5 version of the show alongside other famous faces including The Hills star Stephanie Pratt and American actor Gary Busey, who won the series.

The family later returned to Gogglebox and a spokesperson for the award-winning programme said: “George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and stepdad Pete.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda and George’s family and friends at this very sad time. The family has asked for privacy.”

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Bill Nighy on style, social media and holy socks: ‘I can’t operate in the wrong kind of trousers’

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Bill Nighy on style, social media and holy socks: 'I can't operate in the wrong kind of trousers'

Bill Nighy is a man of many talents – but he knows his limitations – most specifically in the trouser department.

The 74-year-old actor tells Sky News he has very clear sartorial demands when it comes to his acting rider.

“It’s odd, people used to say: ‘There’s a significant lack of classical work on your CV’. And I would say something like: ‘The reason is, I can’t operate in those kind of trousers,’ which is a joke, but it’s also kind of true.

“If you want me at my best, put me in a decent lounge suit. It’s a stupid thing for an actor to say, but art does reflect life.”

And he’s not afraid to bring his own life quite literally into his films, adding: “If it’s a contemporary film and it’s an independent film and they haven’t got a lot of money, I just say, ‘Come to my flat,’ and I open the wardrobe and they can take out whatever they want for that movie. So, the two things do blend.”

He’s currently starring in underdog sports drama The Beautiful Game, playing a retired football talent scout coaching England’s team in the Homeless World Cup.

Founded in 2001, the real-life international tournament that inspired the movie now involves over 70 countries and has transformed the lives of more than one million homeless people.

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Former Homeless World Cup players – who are no longer homeless – feature in the film, playing team members from other countries, which Nighy calls “a wonderful piece of symmetry”.

He of course wore a suit and tie for the majority of the film, despite it being shot in Rome during a heatwave. Scorching weather aside, he says: “It was quite fun to stand on the touchline and scream.”

Pic: Netflix
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Nighy as football talent scout Mal in The Beautiful Game. Pic: Netflix

While Nighy may not necessarily look the part of a stereotypical football coach, he does work on his fitness, training three times a week. It’s something he insists he won’t be “winning any prizes for”, and he certainly won’t be sharing snaps of his workouts on Instagram.

‘My iPhone doesn’t see a lot of action’

He explains: “I’ve never been on social media. I’m lucky in that regard because I’m of an age where I can just about get away with it.

“I nearly went on it. I got very close to, I think it was Instagram, but I didn’t in the end make that jump.

“I don’t have a laptop. I mean, I’m carrying a computer in my pocket, obviously, like everybody else, but I’ve never had a computer. I’ve never owned one, again because I’m fortunate. I don’t need one for anything. I’ve got an iPhone, but there’s not a lot of action on it apart from, you know, the obvious.”

I can only guess ‘the obvious’ is phoning his nearest and dearest, including his daughter and friends. Nighy keeps his romantic dealings close to his chest, and since splitting with his partner of 26 years, he hasn’t been publicly linked to anyone new – either in the public eye or out.

Nighy and Anna Wintour at the Met Gala last year. Pic: Reuters
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Nighy with friend Anna Wintour at the Met Gala last year. Pic: Reuters

As one of Britain’s most recognisable actors, he’s humble in his appraisal of his five decade career spanning theatre, TV and film – reaching to Hollywood and back.

‘I didn’t expect acting to last’

“I don’t know what I’m cut out to be, but it probably isn’t an actor, although I don’t know if anybody is. I think we all have to bend ourselves out of shape to do whatever it is we do.

“I didn’t expect to be an actor. I didn’t expect when I became an actor that it would last very long. I didn’t have a Plan B, it was all basically out of necessity.

“I flunked school, so I didn’t have any qualifications for anything, and I didn’t have a Plan B, so I had no safety net. But, you know, it gradually worked out.”

With two BAFTAs, a Golden Globe and Teen Choice Award (yes really) to name but a few of his accolades, he’s being modest.

And his acting career is about to take a step into the unknown, with his first big horror role in First Omen coming to the screen next month.

Nighy as Cardinal Lawrence in The First Omen. Pic: 20th Century Studios
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Nighy as Cardinal Lawrence in The First Omen. Pic: Disney/20th Century Studios

A prequel to the 1976 original, it returns to the very beginning of the story, with Nighy warning it’s not a film for the feint hearted: “The early signs suggest that it is truly horrible.”

Red satin and holy socks

He does have a wide experience of otherworldly roles, if not out and out horror. Nighy lists a few. “In Shaun Of The Dead I was a werewolf. Yeah, I was a werewolf.”

(Nighy was actually a zombie, but the movie was filmed 20 years ago, and who’s splitting hairs?)

He goes on: “And I’ve been a vampire several times. And I’ve been a squid. If you count animations, I’ve been a rattle snake with a machine gun in its tail. But they’re not straight horror. [First Omen] is really my first horror movie, like what you’d call straight horror. So, it is a departure.”

It goes without saying he was well suited and booted for the role.

“I was dressed by the Vatican tailor. So, you can see I look my best if you’re going to be a priest. And I’m drenched in red satin”.

Rumour has it he was given holy socks from the Vatican shop as part of his costume. Blessed beyond doubt.

Nighy ‘can’t stand’ his own films

He says it “will frighten the life” out of its viewers, adding “a few people I’ve met who’ve seen it and who are horror freaks were stunned. One journalist actually said [they were] traumatised.”

But he doesn’t have to worry about nightmares himself. “I’ve never seen it and I’m never going to see it because I don’t watch films I’m in because I can’t stand it.”

Pic: Netflix
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Pic: Netflix

Meanwhile, his latest offering, The Beautiful Game, is a very different prospect, crafted to leave the viewer uplifted rather than in pieces.

Nighy says it’s a feelgood nostalgia that takes him right back to his childhood. “The deal was when I was a kid, you went, you paid some money, you went to the cinema, and you came out feeling a bit better than you did when you went in. This is what [The Beautiful Game] is.”

The Beautiful Game is streaming now on Netflix, and The First Omen will be in cinemas from 5 April.

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Song lyrics have become angrier and more repetitive since the 80s, study finds

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Song lyrics have become angrier and more repetitive since the 80s, study finds

Song lyrics have become angrier and more repetitive over the past four decades, a study has found.

Lyrics in rock, rap, country, pop, and R&B songs have also become simpler and more personal, according to research published in the journal Scientific Reports.

Rap songs showed the strongest increase in anger and negative emotions, while country songs had the lowest, the researchers said.

Eva Zangerle, an assistant professor at the University of Innsbruck’s department of computer science in Austria, said anger-related words may have become more common because music “reflects more general changes in society and culture”.

Prof Zangerle and her colleagues analysed the lyrics of 12,000 English-language songs released between 1980 and 2020, as well as the page views of the lyrics on online platform Genius.

They found lyrics have become simpler and easier to understand over time, while also becoming more emotional and personal.

Analysis also showed the number of different words used within songs has decreased, particularly among rap and rock songs.

The team speculated this may be because of changes in how music is enjoyed, such as increases in songs being used as background music.

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Prof Zangerle said: “In the last 40 years, we have witnessed a change from buying records in the store to being able to choose from hundreds of millions of songs on streaming platforms on the phone.

“This has also changed the way music is consumed.”

By analysing the page views on Genius, the team found older rock songs were viewed more than newer ones, but the reverse was true for country songs. They said it could indicate rock listeners prefer lyrics from older songs, while country listeners may prefer those from newer songs.

Prof Zangerle gave Bruce Springsteen’s 1973 song Spirit In The Night as a good example of complex songwriting, while she said Miley Cyrus’s 2019 hit Slide Away has simpler and repetitive lyrics.

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