Eurovision 2023 host Hannah Waddingham dazzles as she joins leggy Alesha Dixon for the final
Hannah Waddingham sparkled in a busty dress as she joined Alesha Dixon on stage in Liverpool for the highly anticipated Eurovision 2023 final on Saturday night.
The competition was opened in style by a pre-recorded piano performance by the Princess of Wales with a moving tribute to Ukraine.
As the 26 acts gathered at the city’s M&S Bank Arena, the actress, 48, and the singer, 44, pulled out all the stops to host the show alongside Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina, 32, and Graham Norton, 60.
Hannah looked sensational in the glitzy purple number with an off-the-shoulder neckline and cinch-in waist.
She completed her look by styling her blonde hair in Old Hollywood curls and wore a radiant makeup palette.
Hosts: Hannah Waddingham dazzled in a busty dress as she joined Alesha Dixon on stage in Liverpool for the highly anticipated Eurovision 2023 final on Saturday night
Glam: Hannah looked sensational in the glitzy purple number with an off-the-shoulder neckline and cinch-in waist
Alesha showed off her toned figure in a cropped blue dress with a thigh-high leg split and an asymmetrical bodice.
She added a pair of silver heels to her height and pulled her long dark hair back into a smooth braid.
Meanwhile, Julia stood out in a canary yellow dress with incredibly textured layers of fabric circling her shoulders.
She adorned her hair with gold gems worn over her arms and styled her hair in an elegant low bun.
Hannah later changed into a lilac dress with striking ruffled tulle sleeves that fell to the floor.
Julia also changed up their look in a royal blue dress with ruffles, while Alesha opted for a quirky gold mini dress with a metallic embellishment.
Thousands from far and wide gathered in Liverpool with Eurovision fanatics from around the world pouring into the city’s fan village ahead of tonight’s grand final.
Sitting in the blazing sun for hours on end, with flash mob choirs and DJs popping up all over town as the countdown to the main event draws to a close.
The UK is hosting the contest on behalf of war-torn Ukraine, which won the contest last year, and fans have shown their support for both countries.
Many were draped in Union Jack flags to support British entrant Mae Muller, while others sported the famous bucket hat worn by Eurovision champions Kalush Orchestra and Ukrainian flags.
There were ecstatic fans sprinting straight to the stage to grab a prime spot to watch the finale, which kicks off at 8pm, and an additional 160 million people are expected to watch from home.
In the grand finale, Muller finally takes the stage. After months of preparation, the 25-year-old singer from North London will finally perform her song I Wrote A Song for the international voting audience.
On stage: As the 26 acts gathered at the city’s M&S Bank Arena, the actress, 48, and the singer, 44, hosted the show alongside Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina, 32, and Graham Norton, 60
Stunning: Alesha showed off her toned figure in a cropped blue dress with a thigh-high leg split and an asymmetrical bodice
Beautiful: Julia turned heads in a canary yellow dress with incredibly textured layers of fabric that hugged her shoulders
Radiant: Actress Hannah completed her look by styling her blonde hair in Old Hollywood curls and wearing a radiant makeup palette
Switching it up: Hannah later changed into a lilac dress with dramatic tulle sleeves that fell to the floor
Unbelievable: Julia also changed up their look in a royal blue dress with ruffles, while Alesha opted for a quirky gold mini dress with a metallic embellishment
Celebration: The UK is hosting the contest on behalf of war-torn Ukraine, which won the contest last year
Sincerely: Graham was moved to tears after a You’ll Never Walk Alone performance during intermission
Muller hopes to continue the success of Sam Ryder, last year’s British entry, who finished second behind Kalush Orchestra.
But the British entrant will have to beat the odds if she hopes to take the win.
She is currently 10th favorite to win at odds of 40/1. Sweden is favourite, followed by Finland and Ukraine.
Muller said she was also touched to see “as many Ukrainian flags in the streets as British ones.”
“This is what Eurovision is about, it’s about people supporting each other,” she added.
Twenty-six acts will perform, as well as performances by the UK’s previous Eurovision winner, Katrina Leskanich from Katrina And The Waves.