In what was an awkward moment of live TV, BBC North West interviewed a Eurovision fan dressed as Finland’s act thinking it actually was him.
In case it’s not really on your radar, this week is officially Eurovision week, and fans of the world’s biggest song contest from all across the globe have descended on Liverpool as the North West city hosts the 2023 edition for the UK on behalf of last year’s winners Ukraine.
A total of 37 countries from all across the continent have submitted songs for consideration in this year’s contest, but only six countries automatically qualify for the Grand Final this Saturday (13 May), which are reigning champions Ukraine, and the ‘Big Five’ – UK, France, Italy, Spain, and Germany – while the rest all need to battle it out for their spot.
Last night was the first Semi Final live show – with 15 countries competing for a place in the Grand Final on Saturday, but only 10 qualifying.
And Finland was one of those countries competing, and successfully qualifying.
— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) May 9, 2023
Finland’s act this year is a pretty unique and memorable entry, to say the least, as singer Käärijä took to the M&S Bank Arena stage in Liverpool last night dressed in an eye-catching bright green outfit to perform his song ‘Cha Cha Cha’, which is described as being an “intoxicating blend of industrial metal and hyperpop”.
Currently second in the bookies’ odds behind Sweden’s returning superstar Loreen, Käärijä could’ve been considered a bit of a wildcard, but the Finnish rapper has ended up becoming both a critics and fan favourite – with thousands across the world now familiar with who he is and what he looks like.
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With Käärijä on his way to stardom, BBC North West Tonight managed to secure a live TV interview with him after booking his place in the Grand Final last night.
Except it wasn’t actually him at all, it was just an enthusiastic Eurovision fan dressed up like him.
The awkward mix-up was part of a wider news segment where BBC North West Tonight reporters headed out onto the streets of Liverpool to interview fans about the show and their experience in the city so far.
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The presenter asked the Käärijä superfan: “How do you think Liverpool has done out there?”, to which they responded: “Incredible. In comparison with the countries that I’ve been [to] this is better organised, everything is walking distance and it’s so friendly. Everything is just so easy around here, it’s incredible.”
As the fan spoke, a title card appeared underneath reading “Käärijä – Finland entrant”, and viewers took to social media to react and point out the error.
The second Semi Final will air tomorrow at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, before the Grand Final hit screens from 8pm on Saturday 13 May.
Featured Image – BBC North West Tonight
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A Queer Eye favourite is bringing his first-ever UK comedy tour here to Manchester
Danny Jones
A much-loved member of the Queer Eye cast is set to embark on his debut UK comedy tour and is bringing his live stand-up gig to Manchester crowds.
If you’ve ever seen the successful Netflix reboot of the original Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, which aired its first season back in 2003, you’ll know that one of the biggest characters on the show is Jonathan Van Ness.
Known as the grooming expert on the series, Van Ness is just as popular a TV personality among fans as he is on the programme and in the entertainment industry itself.
He’s also got a pretty decent funny bone on him, too, and we’re glad to see he’s finally bringing his comic chops across the pond.
This is by no means the first time ‘JvN’ has leaned into the comedic side of his talents, having previously worked on the cult favourite digital web series Gay of Thrones, as well as his own Netflix documentary, Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness, which also has plenty of humour.
It’s also not his inaugural hour of stand-up either, as he released his maiden special, Fun & Slutty with Jonathan Van Ness, in his hometown of Austin, Texas, this past December.
Since then, he’s also started his own podcast called Getting Better with Jonathan Van Ness – available via BBC Sounds – which also features a fair few jokes every week.
Put simply, the 38-year-old hairstylist and presenter is much more than that: he’s becoming an increasingly convincing jack of all trades, and we’re absolutely here for it.
You can hear the kind of material he last put out down below.
My first live comedy special is here! Mom worked so hard on this and is so excited to share her with you! You can watch her now on @Veeps: https://t.co/1i0vLvuT02 (on web, TV app, mobile, wherever!!) Plz share, watch w friends, tell your friends!! pic.twitter.com/b9n8PcmrfO
Speaking of his multi-talentedness, the Emmy-winning television personality, three-time New York Times best-selling author, podcaster, founder of JVN Hair AND now comedian might be one of the most prolific public figures on the planet at the moment.
He’s already sold out two critically acclaimed global tours, and with a whole new raft of European dates now announced, Jonathan’s UK and Ireland leg is sure to do the same.
Aldi is selling limited-edition ‘carrot’ gold engagement rings to celebrate Kevin’s Christmas proposal
Emily Sergeant
Can’t afford 24-carat gold? Don’t worry, Aldi is here to offer you a very clever solution instead.
In a world where celebrity proposals are making headlines on the regular, from Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, to Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez, showing off their with dazzling carat rocks like the prized possessions they are, Aldi has put its own spin on things – proving there’s room for more carrot and less carat.
The leading budget supermarket retailer has finally released the first part of its long-awaited Christmas advert for 2025, and that calls for celebration.
Although this year, there’s more to celebrate than ever before, as not only is it a decade of having the legend that isKevin the Carrot on our screens, but he has finally popped the question and proposed to his beloved Katie the Carrot.
To mark this milestone, Aldi has launched a range of exclusive, limited-edition ‘carrot’ gold engagement rings, designed to help Kevin fans stage their own proposal.
Aldi is selling limited-edition ‘carrot’ gold engagement rings to celebrate Kevin’s Christmas proposal / Credit: Aldi
Crafted in collaboration with British jeweller, Jessica Flinn Fine Jewellery, the bespoke rings feature a carrot-shaped orange cubic zirconia at its heart, complemented by two delicate marquise peridot accents.
Fancy getting your hands on one? The rings are now available through and exclusive shopper competition, and will be completely free for the lucky winners.
“This is the next step in Kevin and Katie’s journey,” explained Julie Ashfield, who is the Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK. “So we wanted to create something truly unique to commemorate the carrot couples’ love story – and what better way than with a truly unique ‘carrot’ ring.”
To be in with a chance of winning one of the limited-edition rings, all you need to do is share your festive proposal plans with Aldi and explain why a carrot-shaped ring is perfect for your partner.
Running up until 19 November, to enter, you just need to email [email protected] with your full name, your festive proposal plans, and the preferred ring size for your partner – Small (15.6mm), Medium (17.2mm), or Large (18.8mm).
You can watch the first part of Aldi’s Christmas for 2025 in full here:
Emily Sergeant -
10th May 2023 
