Eurovision fans were overjoyed on Thursday as presenter Hannah Waddingham displayed a totally unexpected talent in the second round of the semifinals.
The 48-year-old actress stunned viewers around the world as she explained the rules of the competition at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena in fluent French.
Her co-moderators Alesha Dixon, 44, and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina, 32, read from the teleprompter in English.
Impressed by Hannah’s skills, shocked home viewers flocked to Twitter, where they heaped praise on her.
One joked: “Hannah Waddingham speaks French. Maybe I’m not gay.”
‘I think I’m in love!’ Eurovision fans were overjoyed on Thursday as presenter Hannah Waddingham displayed a totally unexpected talent in the second round of the semifinals
Talented: The 48-year-old actress stunned viewers around the world as she explained the rules of the competition at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena in fluent French
Another wrote: “People train their entire lives to be as effortlessly charismatic and personable as Hannah Waddingham #eurovision.”
Someone else said: “Watching the #Eurovision semi-finals I have a huge crush on Hannah Waddingham… she’s exactly what I want to be when I grow up.”
One Australian viewer quipped: “Hannah Waddingham is speaking French and I’m a little happier than five minutes ago… #SBSEurovision.”
And another concluded: ‘I think I’m in love with Hannah Waddingham now.’ Beautiful, funny, great voice and she can speak French #Eurovision #EUROVISION2023.’
Alesha and Ted Lasso’s Hannah brought the glamor to Liverpool as 16 acts gathered in the arena to compete for a spot in Saturday’s grand final.
The Mis Teeq singer, 44, and the actress pulled out all the stops as they strutted onto the stage alongside Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina, 32, to present the show, which was broadcast on BBC One.
Alesha looked incredible in a strapless black corset dress with sheer mesh panels and a dramatic train.
Hannah, on the other hand, showed off her leggy legs in a busty, strapless yellow mini dress that showed off her hourglass figure.
Hannah complemented the look with yellow pointed heels.
Wow! Impressed by Hannah’s skills, shocked home viewers flocked to Twitter, where they heaped praise on her
Julia, on the other hand, stood out in a blue metallic jumpsuit with puff sleeves and seams on the legs.
In a rule change this year, the decision on who advances rests solely with the public, with national juries having a say during Saturday’s final.
31 countries compete in two semi-finals, 10 of which reach the final.
Last year’s winner, Ukraine, automatically advanced to the Grand Finals alongside the Big Five consisting of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain and Italy.
The ten acts that made it on Tuesday were: Croatia, Moldova, Switzerland, Finland, Czech Republic, Israel, Sweden, Serbia, Portugal and Norway.
After failing, Irish band Wild Youth smashed the competition at Eurovision 2023 with a furious post after failing to secure a place in Saturday’s final.
The group was one of five acts eliminated in Tuesday’s semifinals after performing their song We Are One.
In a now-deleted post, the band’s frontman Conor O’Donohoe claimed on Instagram that their country was “never given a chance.” A fan later shared a screenshot of the caption on Twitter.
Well, your co-moderators Alesha Dixon, 44, and the Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina, 32, had read from the teleprompter in English
Hot stuff: Alesha and Ted Lasso’s Hannah brought the glamor to Liverpool as 16 acts gathered in the arena to compete for a spot in Saturday’s grand final
He wrote, “We did everything we could.” Michael Kealy [RTE’s Eurovision Head of Delegation] was great. But the truth is they never give Ireland a chance. “We’re sorry if we let you down, we did our best.”
Mae Muller’s performance in the upcoming Eurovision 2023 grand final could be in jeopardy.
The 25-year-old Brit was forced to rest her voice by her singing teacher after this week’s dress rehearsals.
Mae shared a photo with her fans on Twitter on Wednesday wearing a sign that reads “singing rest” around her neck.
Appearing disappointed at the news, she explained, “As someone who can’t believe their life depends on it, I’m not feeling well x.”
“My singing teacher literally had to make me wear a sign to keep my mouth shut. I’m so embarrassed, oh my god.”