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Simon Duke

How to watch Eurovision semi finals in the UK as contest begins in Rotterdam

After being cancelled last year due to coronavirus, it's full steam ahead for the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest as the competition continues on Thursday night.

There was devastation for all fans of the annual event 12 months ago when organisers announced it had fallen victim to the global Covid pandemic.

But it's back and ready to entertain a global audience once again, as well as crowd of 3,000 thousand fans who can enjoy it in person in a Rotterdam arena.

For the past 16 years, there have been three nights of Eurovision for viewers to enjoy - two semi-finals and the grand final.

And the first semi of Eurovision 2021 will take place on Tuesday night with 16 countries in action, with their all vying for a spot in Saturday's grand finale

How to watch Eurovision semi finals in UK

Both Eurovision semi finals will air in the UK on BBC Four at 8pm on Tuesday and Thursday respectively, with coverage hosted by Scott Mills, Chelsee Grimes and Sara Cox, who is stepping in for intended presenter Rylan after he fell ill.

The final will air, as it always does, on BBC1 on Saturday night, with Graham Norton at the helm.

Who is in the semi-finals?

Semi final 1 qualifiers

Lithuania: The Roop - Discoteque

Russia: Manizha - Russian Woman

Sweden: Tusse - Voices

Cyprus: Elena Tsagrinou - El Diablo

Norway: TIX - Fallen Angel

Belgium: Hooverphonic - The Wrong Place

Israel: Eden Alene - Set Me Free

Azerbaijan: Efendi - Mata Hari

Ukraine: Go_A - Shum

Malta: Destiny - Je Me Casse

Semi final 2

San Marino: Senhit - Adrenalina

Estonia: Uku Suviste - The Lucky One

Czech Republic: Benny Cristo - Omaga

Greece: Stefania - Last Dance

Austria: Vincent Bueno - Amen

Poland: Rafał - The Ride

Moldova: Natalia Gordienko - Sugar

Iceland: Daði og Gagnamagnið - 10 Years

Serbia: Hurricane - Loco Loco

Georgia: Tornike Kipian - You

Albania: Anxhela Peristeri - Karma

Portugal: The Black Mamba - Love Is on My Side

Bulgaria: Victoria - Growing Up Is Getting Old

Finland: Blind Channel - Dark Side

Latvia: Samanta Tīna - The Moon Is Rising

Switzerland: Gjon's Tears - Tout l'Univers

Denmark: Fyr og Flamme - "Øve os på hinanden

Only 10 acts from each semi final will make it through each night.

They will join the 'big 5' - United Kingdom, Spain, France, Germany and Italy and host country The Netherlands in the line-up for Saturday's final.

The UK is represented this year by James Newman and his song Embers.

On Wednesday it was revealed that Iceland had withdrawn from performing due to positive coronaviurus cases, but their song - 10 Years - will remain in contention.

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