Glasgow is leading the way in the race to host Eurovision 2023.
After the host city shortlist was announced live on Radio 2 this morning, bookies have placed Scotland's biggest city as their favourite to be the eventual winner. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has backed the bid for Glasgow to be the official location for Eurovision 2023, with the city's Hydro arena earmarked for the huge event.
This year's winners Ukraine are unable to host next year due to safety issues because of the ongoing Russian occupation of the Eastern European country.
After the seven-strong shortlist was announced on Friday morning, the bookies have Glasgow priced at 11/8 to host the show, with Birmingham being close behind at 2/1.
Elsewhere, Liverpool is a 5/1 shot as things stand, ahead of Manchester (10/1) and Leeds (10/1), with Newcastle at 12/1 and Sheffield all the way out at 25/1.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: "Nicola Sturgeon's Eurovision wish might well come true, and at this point it looks like the only thing standing in hers and Glasgow's way would be the Brummies, with the odds suggesting a two-horse race is on the cards."
The other odds are as follows:
Glasgow - 11/8
Birmingham - 2/1
Liverpool - 5/1
Manchester - 10/1
Leeds - 10/1
Newcastle - 12/1
Sheffield - 33/1
Eurovision has been hosted in the UK a total of eight times, including Edinburgh and Brighton.
Eurovision megafan, comedian Craig Hill reckons it will definitely take place at the Hydro when the final venue is announced, and has put himself up for hosting it. The kilted comic from East Kilbride is a regular audience member at Eurovision and was in Italy’s Turin when Ukraine won.
He said: "I really do think it’s going to be at the Hydro and it seems like all the fans do as well. I would host Eurovision in a shot! If it ends up there Glasgow will be a great host city!"
Like Glasgow, he has competition to be the TV host, with names in the running including Graham Norton, who has been commenting on Eurovision for the UK since 2009, Rylan Clark, This Morning's Alison Hammond and news presenter Huw Edwards saying he'd like to do it if it's in Cardiff.
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