The Eurovision Song Contest is a significant cultural event in Britain, and this year, it will be intertwined with the face of one of the nation's favourite sci-fi series, Doctor Who. Ncuti Gatwa, who portrays the latest incarnation of the Doctor, is set to make two notable appearances on Eurovision night.
First, Gatwa will lead an episode titled "The Interstellar Song Contest," marking a unique crossover that combines the exuberance of Eurovision with the whimsical universe of Doctor Who. This episode will feature appearances by Graham Norton, a well-known figure synonymous with the UK's Eurovision coverage, and Rylan Clark, a prominent TV presenter. Russell T Davies, the show's showrunner, expressed his excitement over Norton’s involvement, stating, “There’s no song contest without the great man himself, and it was an honour to welcome Graham Norton to our studios in Cardiff. And it’s not just a cameo; he has a whole plot twist all to himself! This is the wildest episode of all, and we’re lucky to have Graham adding to the mayhem” in a statement to the BBC.
Following the episode, Gatwa will also act as Britain's spokesperson during the actual Eurovision contest, announcing the points allocated to competing countries in what is often a fiercely contested event. This dual appearance is part of a larger trend; Catherine Tate, who portrayed the beloved character Donna Noble, previously served as spokesperson for Eurovision 2023, coinciding with the release of new Doctor Who episodes featuring her character.
The upcoming episode "The Interstellar Song Contest" continues to build on the series' ongoing narrative. The current storyline features the Doctor's attempt to return a character, Belinda (played by Varada Sethu), to Earth, amidst a backdrop of intergalactic mystery, including the revelation that society beyond Earth remains unaware of humanity.
In addition to the excitement surrounding Eurovision, the future of Doctor Who remains a topic of discussion. While enthusiasm for a potential Season 3 persists among the show's team and fans alike, no official confirmation has been made as of yet. Davies has hinted at possible plot developments for future seasons, mentioning in an interview with Parade that "We'll always look ahead to the future if we get the chance to keep running. I’ve got ideas. I think I’ll do that near [Season] 4 or 5."
As the acclaimed series marks its 20th anniversary since its revival, the Eurovision episode represents a creative effort to sustain and enhance its popularity. Viewers are left to anticipate not only the innovative blend of these two cultural phenomena but also what unique costumes and character developments Gatwa will bring to the event.
Source: Noah Wire Services