Hollyoaks and Eurovision are set to clash for a one-off episode of the Channel 4 soap opera, while Chester celebrates the arrival of the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool.
The special, which airs Thursdays on E4 and Fridays on Channel 4, features an appearance by former British act Sonia, who flew the British flag in 1993, and a cameo by DJ Scott Mills.
Hollyoaks are also celebrating the city hosting this year’s match by filming this week at some of its most iconic locations, including the Liver Building and the Beatles statue.
In the episodes, Diane Hutchinson and Scott Drinkwell decide to celebrate the game by throwing a big party at The Dog pub.
Scott has to take care of Diane’s old friend Sonia before she takes the stage to perform her song Better the Devil You Know.
FIRST LOOK: Hollyoaks and Eurovision are set to clash for a one-off episode of the Channel 4 soap as Chester celebrates Eurovision’s arrival in Liverpool
Look who it is! The special, which airs Thursdays on E4 and Fridays on Channel 4, features a performance by DJ Scott Mills
Sensational! Sonia will also take the stage to perform during the episode, having represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1993
Elsewhere, Scott Mills, who plays himself in the episode, stumbles into the village lost and out of battery.
Goldie convinces Tony to drive him to Liverpool to save Eurovision and of course she goes along – leading to even more shenanigans.
Scott will act as a commentator for the Eurovision Song Contest semi-finals this year, alongside Rylan Clark, and the pair will then present BBC Radio 2’s coverage of the final on Saturday.
On Tuesday evening, 15 countries performed at the M&S Bank arena in part one of two semi-finals for a chance to qualify for Saturday’s grand final.
Ten acts made it with the Finnish favorite Kaarija and the Swedish former winner Loreen, who triumphed in 2012 with her hit Euphoria, also secured a place.
However, there was heartbreak for Ireland, Malta, Latvia, the Netherlands and Azerbaijan who were out of the running for Eurovision 2023.
The stadium was lit up by a series of wacky, moving and colorful acts, as King Charles, Queen Camilla and the late Paul O’Grady starred in an opening video to kick off the show.
The 10 acts that made it were; Croatia, Moldova, Switzerland, Finland, Czech Republic, Israel, Sweden, Serbia, Portugal and Norway.
Eurovision is here! In the episodes, Diane Hutchinson and Scott Drinkwell decide to celebrate the match by throwing a big party at The Dog pub
Formiliar face! Scott has to take care of Diane’s old friend Sonia before she takes the stage to perform her song Better the Devil You Know.
Need help? Elsewhere, Scott Mills, who plays himself in the episode, stumbles into the village lost and out of battery.
We can drive you! Tony Hutchinson and Goldie McQueen come to the rescue and offer to drive Scott to Liverpool so he can make it to the Eurovision final in time
Fencing star: Scott will commentate on the Eurovision Song Contest semi-final with Rylan Clark, and the pair will present BBC Radio 2’s coverage of the live final on Saturday
Coming soon: Hollyoaks’ Eurovision Special will air Thursday 11 May on E4 and Friday 12 May on Channel 4
In a rule change this year, the decision on who advances is entirely up to the public, with national juries having their say during Saturday’s final.
31 countries will compete in two semi-finals, 10 of which will advance to the grand final.
Last year’s winner, Ukraine, automatically advanced to the grand final, along with the big five, consisting of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain and Italy.
The semifinals of the Eurovision Song Contest take place over two days and feature a range of performances, including from Eurovision legends and Ukrainian and British stars.
For the first time in the history of the British Eurovision Song Contest, both semifinals will be presented live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Radio DJs Scott Mills and Rylan will provide the UK audience with their colorful commentary, while Alesha, Julia and Hannah host the semi-final at the M&S Bank Arena.
For the big closing commentary on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday, Graham Norton and comedian Mel Giedroyc will take turns in the commentary box to give those watching at home their unique and expert take on the acts of 2023.
Hollyoaks’ Eurovision Special airs on Thursday 11 May on E4 and Friday 12 May on Channel 4.