Hannah Waddingham admits she was ‘shocked’ to be asked to host Eurovision 2023

Hannah Waddingham is stealing the show at this year’s Eurovision.

The ‘Ted Lasso’ and ‘Game of Thrones’ star has become a fan favourite at the song contest, co-hosting alongside the likes of Alesha Dixon, Julia Sanina and Graham Norton.

During last week’s semifinals, Waddingham earned plaudits for her vocal range, while impressing viewers by reciting the contest’s rules in fluent French.

Viewers have responded to her energy, sense of fun and dance moves, making her one of the must-see parts of this year’s event, which is taking place in Liverpool, England.

Ahead of Saturday’s grand final, she was asked whether she had plans for “world domination”, a question that caught her off guard.

“Oh my God! Can I just digest that for a moment please?!”, she responded.

After talking about her “one-woman Christmas special” at the London Coliseum in a couple of weeks, she added: “I’m a little bit shocked by your question, frankly!”

Waddingham’s performance as host is all the more surprising given she only hosted her first awards ceremony - the Olivier Awards - last month.

“It was my first ever presenting gig, [with] this subtle little one being my second,” she said.

“As with the Oliviers - the winners and the losers, everyone [at Eurovision] makes the effort of their lives. All of us, all of them on stage, everyone backstage, we’re all just trying to put on a beautiful, massive, joyous show, and be unified by music.

“So it’s very much our job to be there for the ups and the downs for the winners and the losers, and that’s why I wanted to get involved.”

The good reviews will please Waddingham

Waddingham’s performance will certainly please the 48-year-old, who admitted she never expected to be offered the job.

“I was shocked when they asked me, because I’m not a presenter by any means and I don’t pertain to be,” she told Entertainment Weekly back in March.

“It’s so exciting. Coming from theater, it’s a big deal for us. Everyone always has Eurovision parties, so I was so thrilled that they asked me.”

The competition is traditionally held in the home country of the previous year’s winner. However, since last year’s winning song, ‘Stefania’ by Kalush Orchestra’, was from Ukraine, organizers moved the contest to Liverpool this year.