BBC Radio 2 confirms full Eurovision 2026 programming schedule

BBC Radio 2 will provide extensive live coverage and themed shows for Eurovision 2026 across a full week of programming.

The station’s output centres on live broadcasts from Vienna, with Sara Cox leading coverage of both semi-finals and the Grand Final on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.

She hosts Semi-Final 1 on 12 May and Semi-Final 2 on 14 May, both airing from 8pm to 11.30pm, before returning on 16 May alongside Rylan Clark for the Grand Final.

Sara also presents a special teatime programme live from Vienna on 13 May between 4pm and 7pm, bringing music and updates from the host city ahead of the final.

The schedule builds momentum throughout the week, with a mix of live shows and Eurovision-themed programming.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor hosts her Eurovision Kitchen Disco on 15 May from 9pm to 11pm, featuring Europop tracks and songs from past contests.

She returns on 16 May from 1pm to 3pm for a listener-voted countdown of the Top 40 Eurovision artists, drawn from a shortlist marking 70 years of the competition.

Saturday’s coverage begins early, with Dermot O’Leary’s morning show featuring Eurovision music alongside his ongoing World Cup Of Great Sport TV Themes feature.

Richie Anderson continues the Eurovision focus from 3pm, before Ellie Taylor hosts an audience request show from 6pm, inviting listeners to share their favourite songs ahead of the final.

The Grand Final broadcast starts at 8pm, with Sara and Rylan guiding listeners through performances from 25 finalists, including the UK entry LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER.

Coverage continues into the early hours with OJ Borg hosting an after-party show following the results.

Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC says: “The BBC continues to be the home of Eurovision in the UK, and this year we’re once again offering a treasure trove of brilliant content for audiences to enjoy as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the contest across the BBC on our platforms.”