Meet the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 grand final presenters
Throughout this week, excitement has been building with BBC airing the two semi-finals on Tuesday, May 13, and Thursday, May 15, narrowing down the competition.
A whopping 37 countries are going to be taking to the stage at St Jakobshalle, Basel, in Switzerland, this evening, Saturday, May 17.
As always, talk show host Graham Norton is going to be behind the cameras as the UK's Eurovision voiceover with BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds' coverage presented by Scott Mills and Rylan Clark.
So who will be the presenters taking to the main stage to host the grand final of Eurovision 2025?
During the semi-finals, it was comedian and presenter Hazel Brugger and former Eurovision performer Sandra Studer who led proceedings.
But for the grand final, the pair are going to be joined by Michelle Hunziker who Eurovision has described as 'one of Europe's most beloved entertainers'.
Hazel Brugger is an award-winning comedian with a number of accolades under her belt including a German Comedy Award and a Salzburg Bull award.
She will once again be sharing the stage for the third time this week with presenter and singer Sandra Studer.
Sandra took part in the Eurovision Song Contest herself in 1991 when she represented Sweden and came in fifth place with the song Canzone Per Te.
She continues to work closely with Eurovision since her stint on stage, acting as a pre-selection host, spokesperson and commentator.
For the big night, Brugger and Studer are going to be accompanied on the main stage by Michelle Hunziker.
She is a seasons presenter for various German and Italian shows including Striscia la Notizia, Festival di Sanremo and Wetten, dass…?.
Co-executive producers of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 Moritz Stadler and Reto Peritz shared that they chose these three women as the night's presenters as they wanted them to bring 'unique versatility' to the stage, including 'comedy, dance and singing'.
The 37 countries taking part this year are almost exactly the same as last year's line-up in Malmo, Sweden, apart from Montenegro which is returning for the first time since 2022.
Montenegro is replacing Moldova which withdrew from Eurovision 2025 due to 'financial and logistical challenges', according to BBC.
The Eurovision Song Contest grand final airs from 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Gregg Wallace breaks silence on brutal 8 months, slams BBC for leaving him exposed and warns ‘I won't be the last'
SHAMED Gregg Wallace has broken his silence after a bombshell report into his inappropriate behaviour was revealed. The MasterChef star, 60, was sacked by the BBC after an investigation upheld 45 out of the 83 allegations made against him. Advertisement 1 Gregg Wallace has broken his silence after a bombshell report upheld 45 of 83 allegations against him Credit: Getty The TV host, who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder during the seven-month probe, has now released a statement. He said: "For eight months, my family and I have lived under a cloud. Trial by media, fuelled by rumour and clickbait. "None of the serious allegations against me were upheld. "I challenged the remaining issue of unwanted touching but have had to accept a difference in perception, and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. It was never intended." Advertisement He went on to add that he is "relieved that the Banijay report fully recognises that my behaviour changed profoundly in 2018". And he admitted that some of his humour and language "missed the mark". But the TV chef insisted: "I never set out to harm or humiliate. I always tried to bring warmth and support to MasterChef, on screen and off. After nearly 20 years on the show, I now see that certain patterns, shaped by traits I've only recently begun to understand, may have been misread. "I also accept that more could have been done, by others and by myself, to address concerns earlier. Advertisement Most read in News TV "A late autism diagnosis has helped me understand how I communicate and how I'm perceived. I'm still learning. Banijay have given me great support, and I thank them. But in the end, the BBC left me exposed to trial by media and the damage it leaves in its wake. "To those who've shown kindness, thank you. It mattered. This has been brutal. For a working-class man with a direct manner, modern broadcasting has become a dangerous place." He added: "I was the headline this time. But I won't be the last. There will be more casualties if the BBC continues down this path, where protecting its legacy matters more than protecting people. For my part, with full legal support, I will consider my next move." It follows a scathing Instagram post shared from his platform last week. Advertisement He This comes as the report into Wallace's behaviour has also revealed two more people are facing a probe over "inappropriate behaviour". The report found out of the 83 allegations against Wallace, 45 were substantiated. Most of them involved inappropriate sexual language and humour. Advertisement But, the investigation also looked at 10 complaints made about other people, from the period between 2012 to 2018/2019. Two were substantiated, relating to inappropriate language, one for swearing and the other for racist language. 'Lewis Silkin's findings include two further allegations which were upheld, relating to other individuals," stated the report. 'We'll never work with him again', blast BBC as Gregg Wallace report reveals 'substantial' allegations over 19 YEARS "The BBC takes these findings very seriously and we have asked Banijay UK to take action to address these issues, which is underway. Advertisement "This will be completed as a priority." Of the substantiated claims regarding Wallace, some related to other inappropriate language, being in a state of undress, and one case of unwanted physical contact. The report concluded 94 per cent of the allegations against Wallace related to behaviour which is said to have occurred between 2005 and 2018. Claims we've previously reported about Gregg THE report upheld 45 out of the 83 complaints made. Here we take a look at the allegations made against the TV star: - November 28, 2024 Wallace faces allegations of inappropriate sexual comments from 13 people across a range of shows over a 17-year period, as reported by BBC News. The TV star steps away from presenting MasterChef while Banijay, the show's production company, announces it is conducting an external review to "fully and impartially investigate" the claims against him. BBC News says allegations include the presenter "talking openly about his sex life, taking his top off in front of a female worker saying he wanted to 'give her a fashion show', and telling a junior female colleague he was not wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans". Broadcaster Kirsty Wark, who was a Celebrity MasterChef contestant in 2011, says he told "sexualised" jokes during filming. Model Ulrika Jonsson tells The Telegraph that when she competed on Celebrity MasterChef in 2017, Wallace allegedly had to apologise after making a "rape joke", which caused another female contestant to become "really distressed". Sir Rod Stewart takes to Instagram following the accusations, accusing Wallace of "humiliating" his wife Penny Lancaster on Celebrity MasterChef in 2021. Producer and director Dawn Elrick posts a letter on Instagram which includes a number of anonymous accounts from people who allege they "have experienced sexism and sexual harassment within the TV industry". She claims the letter, which accuses Wallace of making lewd comments, was sent to the BBC in 2022. The TV star's lawyers say "it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature", BBC News reports. Wallace thanks his Instagram followers for "showing their support". - November 29, 2024 Wallace faces a string of new allegations with one woman, who worked on a travel show with him, accusing him of making "lesbian jokes constantly", as reported by BBC News. The charity Ambitious About Autism says it had dropped Wallace as an ambassador, citing the "recent allegations". - November 30, 2024 The Sunday Telegraph reports producer Georgia Harding, who worked on MasterChef between 2014 and 2015 and later Eat Well For Less, claimed she raised concerns about "inappropriate" behaviour from him while working on the show. Banijay UK confirms it has appointed law firm Lewis Silkin to lead the investigation into Wallace's alleged behaviour. - December 1, 2024 Wallace says in a video posted to Instagram that accusations about him making sexual comments towards staff and guests have come from "middle-class women of a certain age". TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp tells BBC Radio 4's The World This Weekend that she was "so embarrassed" she thought she "might cry" after Wallace allegedly made a comment to her about his sex life. Celebrity MasterChef 2012 champion Emma Kennedy tells Times Radio the former greengrocer "just doesn't understand that some behaviour is completely inappropriate". - December 2, 2024 Downing Street says Wallace's response to the accusations being made against him was "inappropriate and misogynistic". A spokesperson also says that Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has held talks with BBC bosses in the wake of the Wallace row. Following the backlash, Wallace apologises for any "offence" or "upset" he caused with his remarks and said he will now "take some time out" while the investigation is under way. - December 3, 2024 Two MasterChef celebrity Christmas specials are pulled from the BBC's schedule. Wallace faces fresh allegations with one woman claiming he touched her bottom after an event and another alleging he pressed his crotch against her while filming on a different show, according to BBC News. - December 4, 2024 Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says politicians should be ready to put in place "mechanisms" that would instil "confidence" that women will be taken seriously in reports of inappropriate behaviour after a Labour MP asked him about "women of a certain age", reflecting comments Wallace apologised for. MasterChef presenter John Torode says in a social media post that he "loves being part of" the programme and "will continue to be a part of it" after Wallace stepped back from the show. A ghostwriter claims Wallace sexually harassed her while she was working on his 2012 autobiography. - December 10, 2024 Ms Nandy says she is "prepared to take further action" if the creative industries cannot address "cultures of silence and issues being swept under the rug" in relation to claims of misconduct while appearing before the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee. - April 25, 2025 Wallace tells the Daily Mail he "thought about suicide all the time" after allegations of misconduct were made against him. - July 8, 2025 Wallace is sacked as MasterChef presenter following the inquiry into his alleged misconduct by production company Banijay, BBC News reports. Fresh claims about the TV presenter are made from 50 more people to the corporation including allegations he groped one MasterChef worker and pulled his trousers down in front of another, BBC News says. The majority claim he made inappropriate sexual comments, with 11 women accusing him of inappropriate sexual behaviour, such as groping and touching. BBC News says it has not seen the final review from Banijay, but it is understood the presenter has been sacked. In an Instagram post the former greengrocer claims he had been cleared of the "most serious and sensational accusations" against him, ahead of the published review. He also said he recognises that some of his humour and language was inappropriate "at times" and apologised for this. It is not known which of these complaints - if any - were upheld. There was only one substantiated allegation after 2018. Advertisement Wallace was said to have been "co-operative and forthcoming" and during three interviews, which lasted a total of 14 hours. The report found Wallace's behaviour made people uncomfortable. The TV star's comments on set were sometimes met with laughter and they were only occasionally challenged at the time, the report found. In a statement last week, Wallace told how he had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Advertisement Investigators noted this as "highly relevant", in understanding his difficulty reading social cues and use of humour as a "masking technique". The report has stated many people who worked on MasterChef were freelancers, who hesitated to make any complaints. They claimed this was because they feared the stability of their jobs. This saw the investigation rule there was an inadequate complaints and behavioural policy before 2016. Advertisement It found there was little or no formal training, or clear escalation procedures in place. This resulted in underreporting and normalisation of inappropriate behaviour, the report stated. It was revealed 19 people said they raised concerns about Wallace but only 11 formal, or informal, complaints were made about his behaviour on MasterChef between 2005 and 2024. Of these 11 identified complaints, eight were recognised as such at the time. Advertisement The other three were treated as comments, and no action was taken. Four of the eight recognised complaints were raised with both the production company and the BBC, two with the production company only, and two with the BBC alone. The BBC gave Wallace a formal warning in 2017 following a complaint. The TV star removed himself from social settings and sought advice from colleagues to avoid further problems, it was stated. Advertisement BBC FIRING The BBC have since announced the A "final decision" on whether the latest season of the show will be aired will "not be made at this stage", the broadcaster added. The full statement read: "We welcome the publication of the findings by Lewis Silkin, following the investigation into the conduct of Gregg Wallace. "In light of these findings, Banijay UK and the BBC have agreed Mr Wallace's return to MasterChef is untenable. Advertisement "The BBC has informed Mr Wallace we have no plans to work with him in future. "The investigation details a substantial number of allegations of inappropriate conduct spanning 19 years. "This behaviour falls below the values of the BBC and the expectations we have for anyone who works with or for us. "Although the full extent of these issues were not known at the relevant time, opportunities were missed to address this behaviour – both by the production companies running MasterChef and the BBC. Advertisement "We accept more could and should have been done sooner. "We want to thank all those who took part in the investigation, including those who first raised concerns directly with the BBC in November last year. "We apologise to everyone who has been impacted by Mr Wallace's behaviour. "Lewis Silkin's findings include two further allegations which were upheld, relating to other individuals. Advertisement "The BBC takes these findings very seriously and we have asked Banijay UK to take action to address these issues, which is underway. This will be completed as a priority. "The BBC will not be commenting further at this stage, but we are clear we expect the highest standards of respect at work to be upheld on the production. "At this stage we are not going to make a final decision on the broadcast of the series that was filmed last year. "We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants. Advertisement "In April the BBC published a detailed response to an independent review of workplace culture, which reinforces expectations around behaviour and that we will act more decisively when standards are not met. Read more on the Irish Sun "This also requires all TV production partners to align with the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) standards. "We want to reaffirm, there is no place for the abuse of power, unacceptable behaviour or language at the BBC, or shows made for the BBC.' What did the report find? FORTY-five allegations made against Gregg Wallace during his time on MasterChef, including one of "unwelcome physical contact", were found to have been substantiated. An independent report commissioned by production company Banijay assessed 83 allegations against Wallace. The report substantiated: - Twelve claims he made inappropriate jokes and innuendo; - Sixteen reports he made sexually explicit comments; - Two allegations that he made sexualised comments to or about someone; - Four complaints that he made culturally insensitive or racist comments; - Three claims that he was in a state of undress; - Seven allegations of bullying; - One allegation of unwanted touching. The allegations span from 2005 to 2024
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
EastEnders fans are only just realising Rita Simons has a very famous uncle
EASTENDERS fans are only just finding out that Rita Simons has a very famous uncle. Rita, 48, played the 4 Rita Simons played the fan favourite Roxy Mitchell on EastEnders Credit: BBC 4 Some viewers are only just realising Rita's uncle is Lord Alan Sugar Credit: BBC/Naked/Ray Burmiston/Rufina Breskin 4 The actress posted a TikTok video of the pair together Credit: Tiktok/@ritasimons Fans were heartbroken as Roxy drowned alongside older sister Ronnie. However, some viewers have only just realised Rita's very famous real-life relative. Lord Alan Sugar, 78, who many know as the star of The Apprentice, is her uncle by marriage. Rita shared a TikTok video of the pair together, jokingly discussing how she could possibly return to EastEnders. Read more on EastEnders Speaking in the clip, Lord Sugar said: "Now look Rita, there's no way you're ever gonna convince the BBC to bring you back into EastEnders." Rita interjected, asking: "Do you think I should be back at EastEnders ?" Lord Sugar continued, adding: "Definitely. But, you're dead. "As far as the story [is concerned], you're dead. So you've got to come back as a cousin of who you were." Most read in Soaps The actress then asked her uncle what her EastEnders character's name was - but the businessman said he didn't remember. After recalling her name had been Roxy, he decided the new cousin would be called "Poxy". Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell funeral, EastEnders He concluded: "Whatever, don't care what you come back as. "But the point is, you've got to come back as a relative. "That's it, definitely." Most devastating soap deaths SOAP viewers are frequently left heartbroken after watching some of their favourite characters bite the dust. Here is a list of the most devastating deaths that have taken place in soapland over the years. EASTENDERS Barry Evans - Evil Janine ( Her plan to inherit Barry's fortune was thwarted when Barry told her that the doctors had mixed up his medical files. 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Married to Tyrone (Alan Halsall), Molly This resulted in the birth of their son, Jack (Kyran Bowes), who was named after Jack Duckworth. As fate would have it, Kevin's wife Sally (Sally Dynevor) was by Molly's side in her final moments. Sally was stunned as Molly confessed Kevin was Jack's father, before dying of her injuries. Vera Duckworth - Having appeared regularly in Corrie since the 1970s, there was no denying Vera Duckworth was an iconic character. Alongside her husband Jack, the pair formed one of the soap's most beloved couples. Viewers were heartbroken when Vera was killed off in 2008, being discovered having passed away peacefully in her chair. Liz Dawn, who played Vera, made a brief return two years later for Bill Tarmey's exit as Jack. Paul Foreman - Fans were heartbroken when Paul Foreman Introduced in 2018 as David Platt's (Jack P. Shepherd) cellmate, he later embarked on a romance - and marriage - with vicar Billy Mayhew. 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Moments later the train exploded and Carmel died in the arms of her family members, promising to be their guardian angel. One fan commented: "Your uncle is obsessed with EastEnders", alongside six laughing emojis . Another added: "Didn't even know she was related to Alan Sugar." A third shared: "I had to Google . He is her uncle." EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer. 4 Roxy and older sister Ronnie were both killed off back in 2017 Credit: BBC
The Journal
3 hours ago
- The Journal
Over half of allegations against ex-MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace substantiated, report
A TOTAL OF 45 out of the 83 allegations made against former MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace during his time on the show were substantiated, including one allegation of 'unwelcome physical contact', a report has said. The show's production company, Banijay UK, announced last November that Wallace would step away from his role on MasterChef while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated. The report, led by law firm Lewis Silkin, found that the 'majority of the allegations against Mr Wallace (94%) related to behaviour which is said to have occurred between 2005 and 2018', with only one allegation substantiated after 2018. It also concluded that the 'majority of the substantiated allegations against Mr Wallace related to inappropriate sexual language and humour'. It added that a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated, with 'one incident of unwelcome physical contact' also upheld. The report noted that during the course of the investigation, which was over a seven-month period, Wallace was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and said that the findings should be viewed in the context of his neurodiversity. It was also found that '10 standalone allegations were made against other people, two of which were substantiated'. Wallace, 60, has been 'co-operative and forthcoming' and was interviewed three times by the investigations team, for a total of 14 hours of interview. But Banijay said that his return to MasterChef is untenable following the number of sustained allegations. Patrick Holland, chief executive of Banijay UK, said that while the report 'makes for uncomfortable reading, highlighting failures in legacy reporting and HR procedures', it also provided insight to ensure that it does not happen again. Advertisement He added that it was 'clear' that the correct escalation procedures were not as robust as they should have been prior to 2016 and that awareness policies were lacking, particularly amongst freelance staff. Holland said: 'We are extremely sorry to anyone who has been impacted by this behaviour and felt unable to speak up at the time or that their complaint was not adequately addressed.' The BBC also said it has informed Wallace that it has no plans to work with him in future, adding in a statement: 'The investigation details a substantial number of allegations of inappropriate conduct spanning 19 years. 'This behaviour falls below the values of the BBC and the expectations we have for anyone who works with or for us,' it said. The broadcaster accepted that more could and should have been done sooner, despite not having knowledge at the time of the 'full extent of these issues'. The BBC added that it would not be broadcasting a series of MasterChef which was filmed last year. Their statement added: 'We want to reaffirm, there is no place for the abuse of power, unacceptable behaviour or language at the BBC, or shows made for the BBC.' A statement from Wallace's lawyers to BBC News last year said that it 'is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature'. In December, Wallace claimed in an Instagram video that complaints about his behaviour came from 'a handful of middle-class women of a certain age'. After a backlash, he apologised for any 'offence' caused and said he would 'take some time out'. Ahead of the official publishing of the external review, Wallace claimed in an Instagram post on 8 July that he had been cleared of the 'most serious and sensational accusations' against him. He added that his neurodiversity had 'now formally [been] diagnosed as autism', saying in the social media post that it was 'suspected and discussed by colleagues across countless seasons of MasterChef'. His social media post and the report come as the TV presenter and former greengrocer faced claims from 50 or more people, as reported by BBC News last week, with the majority saying he made inappropriate sexual comments, and 11 women accused him of inappropriate sexual behaviour, such as groping and touching.
