Glasgow limbers up for Euro dance

Millions of people in 23 countries are expected to watch the Eurovision Dance Contest, which will take place at the SECC in Glasgow later.

Television coverage will be hosted live on BBC One by Graham Norton and Claudia Winkleman.

The 135-minute programme will see 15 couples compete - each made up of one professional and one celebrity.

They will perform one freestyle dance with a national flavour which may have elements of Latin and Ballroom.

"There's no place better to go dancin' on a Saturday night, than Glasgow"
Carol Smilie
Eurovision Dance Contest presenter

Strictly Come Dancing's Len Goodman and Craig Revell Horwood will offer comments on performances and artistic content.

Viewers will then be asked to vote on the choreography, costume and music.

EastEnders actress Louisa Lytton and her professional partner Vincent Simone will represent Britain.

The other 14 couples are from Austria, Azerbaijan, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden and Ukraine.

Carol Smillie, who will announce the UK vote results on Saturday night, said: "It's our turn to show the world what a fantastic venue Glasgow is, for the Eurovision Dance Contest.

"I'm thrilled to be announcing the UK votes, and I know the live Scottish audience will create an amazing atmosphere. There's no place better to go dancin' on a Saturday night, than Glasgow."

The inaugural event in London last year was won by Jussi Vaananen and Katja Koukkula, representing Finland.

UK entrants Brendan Cole and Camilla Dallerup, who competed on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, were placed in 15th position - second last.

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