Angela Scanlon reveals why Eurovision deserves 'its own BAFTA'
Angela Scanlon has opened up on her hopes for Eurovision.
Angela Scanlon insists the Eurovision Song Contest voting "deserves its own BAFTA for tension".
The Irish presenter, who has replaced Scott Mills on the BBC's broadcast team for the annual competition, has opened up about why the 70th edition is such "must-watch television".
She told the BBC: "Because nothing else dares to be this wild!
"Where else do you get that mix of sincerity, spectacle, and absolute unpredictability?
"It’s the only show where a power ballad, a techno banger, and someone dressed as a mythical creature can all exist quite happily in the same breath.
"At its heart, it’s about connection – across borders, across languages – and that never goes out of style. Also, let’s be honest, the voting alone deserves its own BAFTA for tension!"
Angela has high hopes for the UK's entry LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER, who will be playing Eins, Zwei, Drei live for the first time during this week's second semi-final.
She said: "Subtlety feels unlikely – and frankly, unnecessary.
"It'll be left-field, bold, high-energy, maybe a little bit chaotic in the best way, and definitely something that pulls the audience in.
"There may be some audience participation if we're lucky. Eurovision rewards commitment and he is going all in!"
However, she has "absolutely nothing to offer" in terms of advice for LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER or any other act this year.
She quipped: "I have absolutely nothing to offer! I have no idea how any of them do it and will be sitting in the box hoping no one falls over.
"Commit to the bit. That's it."
Angela has joined Rylan Clark for the broadcaster's coverage of the semi-finals, after Mills was suddenly sacked by the BBC last month.
Angela said in a statement: "It feels like joining the greatest party on earth – equal parts thrilling and terrifying!
"I grew up watching the Eurovision Song Contest with my three sisters, making very serious (and wildly biased) scorecards from the couch, so to now be part of it – especially in its 70th year – is genuinely surreal."
Last month, BBC Radio 2 listeners were left stunned when it was announced on March 30 that Mills had been sacked, days after he was abruptly taken off air.
It later emerged the 53-year-old DJ had been investigated by police over alleged sexual offences involving a boy under the age of 16 back in 2018, but the case was closed in 2019 because "the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges".
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said in a statement to the Mirror newspaper: "In December 2016, the Met began an investigation following a referral from another police force.
"The investigation related to allegations of serious sexual offences against a teenage boy. These were reported to have taken place between 1997 and 2000.
"As part of these enquiries, a man who was in his 40s at the time of the interview, was questioned by police under caution in July 2018.
"A full file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, who determined the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges. Following this advice, the investigation was closed in May 2019."
It has not been confirmed if Mills' dismissal from his role at the company is linked to the previous police investigation.
The BBC said in a statement: "While we do not comment on matters relating to individuals, we can confirm Scott Mills is no longer contracted to work with the BBC."
