Eurovision semi-final host Angela Scanlon steps in to apologise for 'bad language'
Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is looking a little different with a shake-up of UK hosts.
UK Eurovision entry Sam Battle talks to Express.co.uk ahead of final
A Eurovision Song Contest presenter issued an apology for one star's "bad language".
BBC aired the first semi-final for this year's Eurovision Song Contest, and it wasn't until near the end of the night that Poland's entry, Alicja, took to the stage in Vienna, Austria.
She gave a powerful performance of her entry song, 'Prey,' but just as the audience applauded the singer, UK presenter Angela Scanlon stepped in to apologise on behalf of her Austrian counterparts, TV personality Victoria Swarovski and actor Michael Ostrowski.
Scanlon said, "Apologies to everyone at home if you caught a little bad language. It's live TV, isn't it?"
"What did I say?", co-star Rylan Clark asked.
"Not from you this time", she jokingly said as he replied, "Makes a change."
Scanlon went on to clarify: "Live telly from the Austrian broadcast...they get a little excited", with Clark adding: "Let them enjoy themselves."
READ MORE: BBC Eurovision fans issue same complaint minutes into semi-final
READ MORE: BBC Eurovision 2026 fans left 'sobbing' over emotional semi-final intro
While Scanlon promptly apologised, some fans didn't hear what was said.
One fan questioned: "What 'bad language' was used?", as another asked: "Did she swear?", wondering if Scanlon was saying sorry on behalf of Poland's entry.
The Irish host is co-presenting Eurovision for the first time as she steps into the shoes of Scott Mills.
Scanlon has been labelled "actually perfect" for commentating on Eurovision, and another stated that "the chemistry is right" between her and Clark.
Speaking about taking over the role, Scanlon excitedly shared: "It feels like joining the greatest party on earth – equal parts thrilling and terrifying!
"I grew up watching the Eurovision Song Contest with my three sisters, making very serious (and wildly biased) scorecards from the couch, so to now be part of it – especially in its 70th year – is genuinely surreal.
"It's one of those shows that's always been there, evolving but never losing its magic or madness.
"I've been lucky enough to dip my toe into the Eurovision world before, so it feels great to be doing it again, just with higher heels and a few more sequins!"
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 continues every night at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
