To be honest I think the BBC will pull out and more likely create their own show called "The Eurovision Factor" or something (with perhaps no Baltic countries) and hosted by Graham Norton.
I don't know but can't blame Terry for leaving (although the article is probably still misinterpreted) too many countries compete and it's become far too neighbourly specific amongst many things.
One thing I don't understand about the voting is that originally it was only the countries in the final that voted, now you get a bunch of countries that didn't make the final that get to vote
Why? I mean if they're not in the final why are they allowed to vote?
It's a shame that he is done it and in my opinion he was the best commentator in Europe. Watching his interview I can understand why he's done it and I respect his decision. In my opinion he'll be very difficult to replace I severley dislike Paddy O'Connell.
I think it's a shame he's pulled out now rather than doing one last, final one for next year. Then he could say he completed three full decades of commentating (he only became permanent commentator in 1980, amazingly!) and would be able to end his commentary with a final goodbye. In the event his Eurovision career's ended on a bit of a sour note, as his final commentary was basically him saying what a load of crap it all is.
Most people only watch it for Wogan, so I can see a lot of people next year (when the UK comes last again) wondering what the point is to continue watching.
It's a shame that he is done it and in my opinion he was the best commentator in Europe. Watching his interview I can understand why he's done it and I respect his decision. In my opinion he'll be very difficult to replace I severley dislike Paddy O'Connell.
It's a shame that he is done it and in my opinion he was the best commentator in Europe. Watching his interview I can understand why he's done it and I respect his decision. In my opinion he'll be very difficult to replace I severley dislike Paddy O'Connell.
Ken Bruce?
Rob Brydant being Ken Bruce, with Steve Coogan as Terry Wogan
It depends whether the Beeb want to continue presenting the event as 'tongue in cheek' or whether they take it all more seriously (at all levels).
If they want to play it straight, then a good VO man who can also ad lib, such as Alan Dedicoat. If they want to play the joker card, then there's loads of overpaid vain celebs to choose from (most have already been mentioned in this thread)
If the role is given to anyone but Ken Bruce or Paddy O'Connel, it will be a big mistake. I fear they will give it to Norton though!
Couldn't agree more. Both are technically excellent, but also have a sense of humour and a sense of the ridiculous that is needed for the contest.
It is interesting to contrast Paddy's coverage of the semi-finals with Terry's of the finals.
Paddy is scrupulous in shutting up before the performances start and makes a point of not talking at all during them - unlike Sir Terry who has often crashed the opening bars (intentional or not it detracts from the performance IMHO), and on occasions quipped during the performance (which again is a bit insulting to the performers IMHO)
I'd chose Paddy every time if I'm honest. (It is interesting that a lot of his observations have been re-used by Wogan during the final commentary - and I'm pretty sure that they were Paddy's - and not the producers')
It depends whether the Beeb want to continue presenting the event as 'tongue in cheek' or whether they take it all more seriously (at all levels).
To be fair Wogan said the same thing in the interview. If we send a well know and successful artist they have to vote for us. The problem is you'll have a hard time finding someone willing to do Eurovision.
It depends whether the Beeb want to continue presenting the event as 'tongue in cheek' or whether they take it all more seriously (at all levels).
To be fair Wogan said the same thing in the interview. If we send a well know and successful artist they have to vote for us.
Yep - but that isn't going to happen unless there is a radical change in the music industry's attitude to the contest. AIUI there has been no record company involvement in the British selection for quite a few years now... (And if record companies aren't involved - artists with a current recording deal aren't going to be involved...)
This is in marked contrast with other countries. In Sweden, record companies often FORCE their artists to enter Melodifestivalen (the Swedish 6 week selection show - the final of which is usually the most watched TV show of the year) even if they don't want to! (It almost guarantees a very decent singles chart position - often the top 20 contains almost entirely Melodifestivalen entries when the contest takes place)
