Glasgow huge favourite to host Eurovision 2023 as Nicola Sturgeon declares: ‘It’s got to be here!’

Nicola Sturgeon wants Glasgow to get the nod (Picture:Getty/Reuters)

Lulu and Nicola Sturgeon are pulling for Glasgow to host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023.

The BBC has unveiled the shortlist of potential locations in the running with the Scottish city leading the way as favourite over Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield and Newcastle.

The seven cities have emerged as candidates for next year’s competition after it was decided that 2022 winners Ukraine wouldn’t be able to host.

Responding to the news after the shortlist was unveiled, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: ‘It’s got to be Glasgow! #Eurovision #TeamGlasgow’

She could get her wish, with Ladbrokes revealing Glasgow has is the current favourite with odds of 11/8, while Birmingham (2/1) and Liverpool (5/1) are closely behind.

The three cities are a fair way ahead of Manchester and Leeds (10/1) with Newcastle (12/1) and Sheffield (33/1) not too likely, according to the bookies.

Lulu represented the UK in 1969 (Photo by Radio Times Archive via Getty Images)

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: ‘Nicola Sturgeon’s Eurovision wish might well come true, and at this point it looks like the only thing standing in hers and Glasgow’s way would be the Brummies, with the odds suggesting a two-horse race is on the cards.’

Eurovision legend Lulu – who won the contest in 1969 with Boom Bang-a-Bang – has also thrown her support round Glasgow as she appeared on Good Morning Britain alongside fellow song contest alumni Cheryl Baker and Sonia.

She admitted she was pulling for her hometown, and said: ‘When I was a child living in Glasgow, I remember Sing Little Birdie Sing, and it was very exciting. But was a very small event! Now, it is world class. It’s one of the biggest shows on television.’

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Lulu – who performed the title track for 1974 James Bond classic The Man with the Golden Gun – even compared the competition to the 007 franchise.

‘If you think about it, it’s almost an institution because it’s lasted so long, it’s kind of like on a parallel with James Bond, the way it started in the ’60s and the way it’s got bigger and bigger and better,’ she added.

‘It’s the same with this show – it’s one of the biggest shows in the whole world, so it’s exciting.’

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Given Sonia’s ties to Liverpoool, it was no surprise to hear her back the North West city to host Eurovision, while Bucks Fizz star Cheryl had a more balanced stance.

She said: ‘I think probably it’ll go to Manchester because the BBC is massive in Manchester. But it would be great to come to Liverpool, because of The Beatles and such a musical heritage. Equally, Birmingham because it’s the middle of the country!’

Eurovision Song Contest will return to the BBC in 2023.

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