The UK proves more than an able stand-in for Ukraine – with Hannah Waddingham stealing the show
There have been many moving, generous shows of solidarity with Ukraine since Russia invaded, but none more magnanimous than the whole of Europe, this time last year, standing as one and pretending to like a song called Stefania by a group named Kalush Orchestra.
A continent-wide wave of support from televoters meant Ukraine won the 2022 Eurovision song contest but, with the country unable to host this year’s event for obvious reasons, the UK stepped in to deputise. So last night was Britain’s first staging of Eurovision since 1998, warmly embraced by the city of Liverpool under the slogan “United by Music” and flawlessly produced by BBC Studios live from the Liverpool Arena.
