Graham Norton has lifted the lid on his preparations for this year's Eurovision Song Contest, which airs on BBC One on 14 May. The presenter, who will commentate on the grand final from Stockholm, admitted he avoids listening to the songs before the big night to keep them fresh. 'I haven't yet because I'd hate to tire of any of them before the big day. Come the night, I'd have heard all of them at least four or five times,' he said.
Norton also revealed that despite the appearance of a script, much of his commentary is improvised. 'There is no script. There are a couple of things written down though. For example at the end of the show there is a list of names for me to thank... plus the technical things like how you vote, when you can vote, how long you have to vote,' he explained. He added that he tries not to speak over introductions, a habit that annoyed some viewers when Sir Terry Wogan was commentating.
Discussing the UK entry, Joe and Jake, Norton praised the public vote that selected them. 'I think what's good is there was a public vote to get them on board, so the public can't complain... It is a really credible pop song and the boys deserve to do very well.' He described them as 'charming and good looking young guys' who should build a fan base before the contest.
On the Belarusian act's request to perform naked with wolves, Norton dismissed it as a publicity stunt. 'I think that is a publicity stunt and I think the problem is that the song isn't very good. Sometimes publicity and song come together like with the Russian grannies or Conchita... Everyone is talking about the guy with the wolves now but have people actually heard the song? They won't be talking about it after!'
Norton also shared his thoughts on the new voting system, which separates jury and public votes for the first time since 1975. 'I think I get it! The main benefit of it is that the contest will be more exciting as you won't know the winner until the very end,' he said. He paid tribute to Sir Terry Wogan, noting that he plans to raise a glass during song number nine in his memory.
