BBC.CO.UK REPORTS / UNITED KINGDOM Announcing a range of programmes that will bring the nation together and provide great British entertainment during these difficult times.
Over the coming weeks there will be something for everyone to enjoy as we give audiences the choice to escape and be entertained.
With so many of the UK’s big events cancelled, the BBC will connect people virtually and give them something to look forward to from the comfort of their own homes.
For fans across the country lamenting the loss of Eurovision and Glastonbury, we will bring the nation together to experience both. And in the absence of live sport and the Euros, Peter Crouch promises to Save Our Summer.
BBC channels will keep the finger on the pulse as the crisis unfolds with weekly shows from favourites including The Graham Norton Show, Have I Got News For You and The Mash Report. All will be recorded as live during the week of transmission.
BBC One and Graham Norton bring the country together for a special Eurovision broadcast – Eurovision: Come Together on Saturday 16 May.
Produced by BBC Studios the show will feature classic Eurovision performances, a look at what would have been in 2020 and entertaining interviews, including this year’s UK entry James Newman.
Eurovision: Come Together will be produced by BBC Studios for BBC One
NEWS: We'll be bringing a special #Eurovision broadcast to @BBCOne on the 16th May presented by @grahnort! 👉https://t.co/SNs1ReGb2p pic.twitter.com/9tWQa63NaF
— BBC Eurovision🇬🇧 (@bbceurovision) March 24, 2020
Director-General Tony Hall says: “The BBC is determined to do all it can to raise a smile and keep the country entertained during these testing times. We have lots of great shows already recorded, but we have also found ways to keep many other shows going so that the familiar faces people love will still be in their living rooms in the weeks and months ahead. I think that is incredibly important. The BBC will also deliver a range of virtual events to replace some of those that have now had to be cancelled. We can all still have a Eurovision moment, even if it is different from the past. Our pledge is to offer the best escapism, fun and distraction we can, alongside the news and information everyone needs.”
Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content, says: “Bringing the nation together to be entertained is a vital public service. Throughout this crisis, we will respond to the mood of the nation and provide programmes to help us escape and laugh, and create memorable events which we can all enjoy from home to replace those we’re going to be missing this summer.”
In our opinion, of course, it’s much appreciated what broadcasters are doing and it might really help everyone with the cancelled-Eurovision-depression. But let’s be realistic: nothing can actually replace the contest!
