The United Kingdom set to return to Junior Eurovision after 17 year haitus 🇬🇧

Rumors of the United Kingdom returning to Junior Eurovision started back in 2020 when Wales pulled out of the contest and elected not to return for 2021. When Welsh broadcaster announced that they had no intention to compete in Yeveran in 2022 either, signs seemed clear that the UK might choose to return to the contest if there was interest from the broadcaster. And this morning, the BBC announced their full intent to compete for the first time in 17 years.

This will be the first time that the BBC will organize a Junior Eurovision participation, as broadcaster ITV organized their entries and preparations for the 2003-2006 contests. The process of selecting a song and artist for the contest is underway and will be directed by CBBC, the BBC’s children focused TV station, with no indication of plans for an internal selection or national final.

Speaking about the decision to return to Junior Eurovision, Patricia Hidalgo – Director of BBC Children’s and Education – stated the following: “We are beyond excited to bring the Junior Eurovision Song Contest to the BBC for the first time, and to showcase the diverse young musical talent from across Europe for children and their families to discover and enjoy together. This junior version of Eurovision will undoubtedly encapsulate the same spirit of unity that the adult contest brings, reflecting the heart of what CBBC is all about, an inclusive channel that celebrates the diversity and creativity in all children. I can’t wait to unveil our own musical talent who will proudly represent the UK.”

The BBC joins a small number of broadcasters who have recently returned to the contest prior to hosting the Eurovision Song Contest the following year such as Portugal for JESC 2017 in Tbilisi, and Israel for JESC 2018 in Minsk. Serbia also joined the Junior Eurovision family ahead of their 2008 Eurovision hosting, but originally debuted in the 2006 edition of JESC as the combined country of Serbia and Montenegro. At this time only Portugal continues to compete in Junior Eurovision.

The UK have competed in JESC only three times, and finished in the top two during the first two editions of the contest. In 2003 Tom Morely’s song “My Song for the World” finished 3rd out of 16 entries and only 16 points behind the inaugural winner Dino Jelusić. In 2004 Cory Spedding managed to come 2nd out of 18 entries, but faced a 31 point deficit compared to Spain’s only winner María Isabel.

Seventeen countries confirmed for Yerevan

As of today, 17 countries have officially confirmed their intent to compete in Yerevan, Armenia:

• Albania 🇦🇱
• Armenia 🇦🇲
• Bulgaria 🇧🇬
• France 🇫🇷
• Georgia 🇬🇪
• Ireland 🇮🇪
• Italy 🇮🇹
• Kazakhstan 🇰🇿
• Malta 🇲🇹
• Netherlands 🇳🇱
• North Macedonia 🇲🇰
• Poland 🇵🇱
• Serbia 🇷🇸
• Spain 🇪🇸
• Ukraine 🇺🇦
• United Kingdom 🇬🇧

Are #YOU excited to see the UK return to Junior Eurovision this December? Let us know on social media @ESCUnited, on our discord, or on our forum page!