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Hacker T. Dog and Rhys Stephenson flying the flag

United Kingdom returns to Junior Eurovision

25 August 2022 at 13:15 CEST
CBBC presenters Hacker T. Dog and Rhys Stephenson: sadly too old to compete as a duo BBC
The BBC has confirmed that the United Kingdom will participate in Junior Eurovision for the first time since 2005, and that it will broadcast the 2022 Contest live on CBBC, BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

The 20th Junior Eurovision will take place in Yerevan, Armenia, on Sunday 11 December, following Maléna’s sensational win in Paris last year with her whirlwind of a song Qami Qami.

It will be the first time the BBC has taken part in Junior Eurovision, as previous participations were organised by ITV.

The process to select the act and song is now underway and is being led by CBBC with BBC Studios Entertainment and Music. The act and song representing the United Kingdom will be announced in due course, as will the commentators.

The news follows the announcement in July that the BBC will host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in the United Kingdom on behalf of Ukraine. 

Patricia Hidalgo, Director BBC Children’s and Education, says: 

‘We are beyond excited to bring the Junior Eurovision Song Contest to the BBC for the first time, and to showcase the diverse young musical talent from across Europe for children and their families to discover and enjoy together. This junior version of Eurovision will undoubtedly encapsulate the same spirit of unity that the adult contest brings, reflecting the heart of what CBBC is all about, an inclusive channel that celebrates the diversity and creativity in all children. I can’t wait to unveil our own musical talent who will proudly represent the UK.’

The United Kingdom took part in the inaugural Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Copenhagen in 2003, where their representative, Tom Morley, finished in third place with My Song For The World.

Two further participations followed with Cory Spedding (finishing 2nd) and Joni Fuller (14th) before the United Kingdom withdrew. 

Wales participated in Junior Eurovision via Sianel Pedwar Cymru (S4C); the Welsh language broadcaster sent Manw in 2018 and Erin Mai in 2019.

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