Graham’s hoping he’s not Terry-fied

May 10 2009 by Ian Robson, Sunday Sun

ONE of the biggest and much maligned television events of the year will take place this week.

The Eurovision Song Contest will be broadcast live from Moscow on Saturday, with Jade Ewen carrying the hopes of the UK with It’s My Time.

The event is usually marked by complaints over the quality of the songs and politically-motivated voting.

Jade will take to the stage in the enormous Olympiyski Indoor Arena in front of a live audience of 15,000.

More than 100 million viewers, all over the world, are expected to tune into the event.

Graham Norton makes his debut as commentator following the departure of Terry Wogan.

He said: “I can’t even think about trying to fill Terry’s shoes. Over the last 35 years he has turned Eurovision into the much-loved institution it is today.

“Obviously, being asked to take over is a huge honour but when it comes to doing the job on the night I’ll just be trying not to hear Terry’s voice in my head and hopefully come up with a few comments of my own.

“I haven’t spoken to Terry about the job, though he has been very encouraging in a few interviews he has given, and I’m sure he knows what a big fan I am of his.”

He said there was a real possibility that the UK entry could do well this year, with the involvement of songwriters Andrew Lloyd- Webber and Diane Warren.

He said: “I think this year’s UK entry is world-class. Having Andrew involved alongside the legendary songwriter Diane Warren makes it something very special indeed.

“Add to that Jade’s extraordinary talent and beauty, and I think we have a very strong package.”

Jade said she wanted to put the UK back on the Eurovision map with the song.

She said: “Everyone seems to really love it.

“The other day, in Amsterdam, I had fans singing along to the chorus and when I hit the big note at the end they screamed so loud I couldn’t hear what I was singing . . . it was amazing!

“I have had people from Spain and Bosnia support me, even though I am not from their country.”

THE EUROVISION SONG CONTEST, BBC1, Saturday, 8pm.

See Page 35 for Eddy’s Eurovision Special Pub Quiz.