Strictly’s AJ Odudu wants to host Ukraine’s Eurovision Song Contest from Salford

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Strictly Come Dancing star AJ Odudu speaks of joy that the UK will step in and host Eurovision 2023 because of war in Ukraine and calls for the song contest to be staged in Salford, Greater Manchester

AJ Odudu, who announced the UK's results for Eurovision 2022, hopes next year's contest will be in Salford

Image: PA)

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AJ Odudu is thrilled the UK is to host Eurovision 2023 – and is on a mission to bring it to Salford.

The Strictly star presented the UK’s jury vote earlier this year from Media City, the first time the segment had come from Greater Manchester.

AJ, 34, says announcing the results from Salford was “a big, big moment” for her.

She said: “Just shouting out ‘from Greater Manchester’ was incredible. When it was announced that the UK will host it, I was buzzing.

“For it to come live from Salford this year, which has never happened, and for me to be the face of it… just wow – that would absolutely be the cherry on the top of the cake.”

UK Eurovision entrant Sam Ryder, who came second in the 2022 contest

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( AFP via Getty Images)

Eurovision bosses confirmed this week the UK will host on behalf of winners Ukraine, due to the war with Russia. That decision came after Sam Ryder gave the UK second place in May with his song Space Man.

London, Sheffield and Manchester are among several cities planning bids to host the contest. Despite being held in the UK, the event will celebrate Ukraine’s heritage.

AJ said: “We’ll make sure it’s all about Ukraine. They did fantastically well to even get there in the circumstances.”

AJ is also looking forward to tonight’s UEFA Women’s Euro final, and will support the Lionesses live from Wembley.

The Bridge presenter is also backing Euros sponsor Heineken’s 12th Woman campaign to challenge gender stereotypes in football.

She said: “It’s been a huge inspiration for so many girls.”

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