CHANGE OF TUNE
Britain’s Got Talent announces major schedule shake-up leaving fans baffled
The programme has chosen not to go head to head with a major event
BRITAIN'S Got Talent has revealed a major change to its scheduling ahead of next week's show.
Last night viewers tuned in for another dose of variety entertainment with dramatic stunts and mesmerising vocals.
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And those watching the thundering emotional roller coaster would be forgiven for missing a crucial detail at the very end of the show.
As the programme wrapped up, it said: "Britain's Got Talent returns next Sunday at 7.40pm."
There's a very good reason behind the move from its usual Saturday slot, though it wasn't immediately apparent to some viewers.
One wrote on social media platform X: "Sunday next week, what’s more important than BGT on a Saturday?"
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The important thing turns out to be the Eurovision Song Contest, which will take up the bulk of Saturday night on rival channel the BBC.
Another viewer mused: "Interesting to see that ITV have postponed next week's BGT until Sunday.
"Now I'm not a fan of Eurovision, but the fact that ITV have chosen to move one of their biggest flagship shows is a telling sign that they feel threatened by the Doctor Who-Eurovision combo."
Eurovision is taking place in Malmo, Sweden, this year after the nation's act Loreen won last year.
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The UK's representative is Years & Years' Olly Alexander, who is singing original track Dizzy.
Speaking about his involvement in the competition, which is watched by 160million people annually, he said: “I’ve loved watching Eurovision ever since I was a little kid and I’m beyond excited to be taking part next year.
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"As a young boy I always looked forward to this incredible event of unbridled joy, the wonderfully chaotic mix of musical styles, theatrical performances, heartfelt emotion and humour.
"I really can’t believe I’m going to be a part of such a special legacy and fly the flag for the UK in the gayest way possible, it shall be an honour!"
Absolutely Fabulous icon Joanna Lumley has been chosen to give out the UK's 12 points on the big night.
It will be the first time that the actress has been involved with Eurovision.
In a statement, the 78-year-old said: "I am delighted to be announcing the jury vote for the UK at this year's Eurovision.
"It's such a fabulous honour to give the iconic 'douze points'!"
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Eurovision Song Contest entries 2024
Here are all of the acts taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest.
In 1999, a rule change allowed the United Kingdom, along with France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, to automatically qualify for the final, as they bring in the most revenue for the Song Contest.
They are joined in an automatic place in the final by the 2023 winning country, Sweden.
All the acts completing in Eurovision are:
- Albania - Besa - Zemrën N’dorë
- Armenia - LADANVIA - JakoAustralia
- Australia - Electric Fields - One Mikali (One Blood)
- Austria - Kaleen - We Will Rave
- Azerbaijan - FAHREE ft. Ilkin Dolatov - Özünlə Apar
- Belgium - Mustii - Before The Party's Over
- Croatia - Baby Lasagna - Rim Tim Tagi Dim
- Cyprus - Silia Kapsis - Liar
- Czech Republic - Aiko - Pedestal
- Denmark - SABA - Sand
- Estonia - 5miinust & Puuluup - (Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi
- Finland - Windows95man - No Rules!
- France - Slimane - mon-amour
- Georgia - Nutsa Buzaladze - Firefighter
- Germany - Isaak - Always On The Run
- Greece - Marina Satti - ZARI
- Iceland - Hera Björk - Scared of Heights
- Ireland - Bambi Thug - Doomsday Blue
- Israel - Eden Golan - Hurricane
- Italy - Angelina Mango - La Noia
- Latvia - Dons - Hollow
- Lithuania - Sllvester Belt - Luktelk
- Luxembourg - TALI - Fighte
- Malta - Sarah Bonnici - Loop
- Moldova - Natalia Barbu - In The Middle
- Netherlands - Joost Klein - Europapa
- Norway - Gäte - Ulveham
- Poland - LUNA - The Tower
- Portugal - iolanda - Grito
- San Marino - Megara - 11:11
- Serbia - Teya Dora - RAMONDA
- Slovenia - Raiven - Veronika
- Spain - Nebulossa - ZORRA
- Sweden - Marcus & Martinus - Unforgettable
- Switzerland - Nemo - The Code
- Ukraine - Aloyna Aloyna & Jerry Heil - Teresa & Maria
- United Kingdom - Olly Alexander - Dizzy