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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When does the UK’s fourth heatwave of the year hit Greater Manchester?
Danny Jones
Brace yourselves: ANOTHER heatwave is set to hit the UK – the fourth in 2026 so far – and, understandably, Greater Manchester residents are already preparing for the latest blast of hot weather and wondering when it gets here.
Yes, in case you missed the news, more high temperatures are set to spread across Great Britain and Ireland this month and heading into August.
The increase will gradually build throughout this week, with Wednesday tipped to be the hottest day according to various meteorological sources.
Fortunately for us here in the North West, parts of the Midlands and the usual suspects down south are set to hit the highest numbers, but the thermometers are still on course to reach around the mid-20s over the coming days.
Temperatures are set to rise this week across some areas, bringing a return to hotter conditions 🥵
The heat looks to be fairly short-lived, however, with temperatures expected to fall again towards the end of the week 🌡️ pic.twitter.com/IKsunEdwhU
Estimates of 26°C have been predicted for this coming Tuesday, with the levels floating in and around 24/25 on the following Wednesday.
The heat is then due to drop off slowly, with top scores of no higher than 21°C on the cards for Thursday and Friday. Although the weekend forecast is less certain at present, one thing that has been announced is reduced rainfall.
Aside from a few more trickles today (Mon, 27 July), the showers or lack thereof cease rather soon, with some of the driest parts of the country already having various effects; for instance, parched parts of Wales have even revealed lost archaeological sites last Friday (24/7/2026).
It would be remiss if we didn’t mention the obvious moorland fires across our region, which were sadly exacerbated by hot weather earlier this month.
Following on from the hottest June on record, the Dovestone and Tinwhistle areas of Oldham and parts of Derbyshire saw hundreds of hectares turn into a deeply dangerous blaze for several days.
As per the latest statistics, it’s said that the equivalent of 1,250 football pitches were scorched following the alarming wildfire, which also raised concerns for wildlife and surrounding air quality.
Drama Call opening first-ever flagship shop in Manchester
Danny Jones
Streetwear superstars Drama Call are opening their new flagship store and first-ever permanent site in Manchester city centre this weekend.
Expect massive queues and lots turning up wearing the increasingly recognisable starry logo.
Already a much-loved brand not just here in 0161 but across the nation at large, the native independent business turned street-style favourites and UK fashion phenomenon are no strangers to HUGE pop-ups in their hometown.
However, they’ve never had a mainstay location anywhere in the country, let alone Greater Manchester – well, until now, that is…
Credit: Press shots (supplied)
Debuting in the Northern Quarter this Sunday, the venue located on Tib Street will effectively serve as Drama Call‘s new HQ.
The local label has done everything from popping up vans with Manc rapper Aitch to collaborating with Man United for multiple limited edition collections, so it only felt like a matter of time before they’d make a big brick-and-mortar splash in our fair city.
Most notably, they’re also taking over the same unit as the Sheep Shop, a former skate shop and legendary urban clothing tastemaker of the 90s; they were one of the first places in Britain to stock famous names like Stüssy, Supreme, Carhartt, The North Face and many more.
With that in mind, it feels only fitting that they carry on the trendsetting tradition from the same premises, and just spitting distance from the likes of Note, as well.
And that’s not all, either: before the full launch, they’ll also be holding an exclusive cash-only shirt swap event, where a limited number of certain collector’s items will be sold for as little as £10.
Other things to note are the additions of signed vinyls by homegrown artists such as the aforementioned Aitch and even The Smiths.
In fact, the store will also feature strictly Mancunian exclusives, too.
Everything from polo shirts and tees to branded mugs, matchboxes and other accessories will be available in-store only.
NQ is bound to be buzzing across launch weekend, with doors officially opening to the public on Sunday, and we wouldn’t be surprised if you see people camping outside the front well ahead of time.
What a moment the Manc shopping scene is having right now.
Emily Sergeant -
10th May 2023 
