Continuing from an unforgettable Eurovision Song Contest, which was hosted earlier this year in Liverpool on behalf of Ukraine, the Junior Eurovision Song Contest is set to be aired on the BBC this autumn.
The UK is poised to present a performer, aged between 9 and 14, for the competition showcasing talented youngsters, scheduled for Sunday, 26th November 2023.
France will undertake the role of hosting the event at the Palais Nikaïa in Nice, following Lissandro’s triumphant performance in 2022 with his song “Oh Maman!”
In the previous year, the Junior Eurovision Song Contest was broadcast on the BBC for the first time in the history of the competition. Freya Skye represented the United Kingdom with the song “Lose My Head” at the contest in Yerevan, Armenia. She clinched victory in the public vote and secured an overall 5th position.
The process to select the act and song for 2023 is presently in progress, led by BBC Studios Entertainment and Music in collaboration with CBBC. Further particulars, including the identity of the UK’s representative and their song, along with the commentator for the UK, will be unveiled in due course.
Patricia Hidalgo, Director BBC Children’s and Education, says: “Following on from the fabulous spectacle of the Eurovision Song Contest earlier this year in Liverpool, we are so proud to once again bring Junior Eurovision to the BBC and to give children and their families the opportunity to enjoy this incredible show together.”
The organisers of the 2023 contest, France Télévisions, have now revealed the branding for the occasion.
Produced by CBBC and simulcast on BBC television and iPlayer, the BBC’s coverage of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest is a creation of BBC Studios. The commission comes under Patricia Hidalgo, Director of BBC Children’s and Education, alongside Sarah Muller, Senior Head of BBC Children’s Commissioning for ages 7 and above. The role of Executive Producer and Head of Delegation is held by Lee Smithurst. Suzy Lamb oversees as MD for BBC Studios Entertainment and Music, while Pete Ogden takes on the position of Creative Director for BBC Studios in the North. For the BBC, Melissa Hardinge serves as the Commissioning Editor with Nick Hall as Commissioning Executive.
In the approaching autumn, BBC Children’s will also present a special My Life documentary, looking back on Freya Skye’s journey, to be aired on CBBC and BBC iPlayer. Furthermore, a half-hour documentary will follow this year’s chosen act on CBBC and BBC iPlayer, leading up to the live contest.
