BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Eurovision Dance Contest unveiled (original) (raw)

Strictly Come Dancing

The BBC showed the fourth series of Strictly Come Dancing last autumn

The BBC is to host a ballroom dance competition in the spirit of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Professional and amateur dancers will represent 13 countries, with the winner decided by a viewers' vote.

The Eurovision Dance Contest follows the success of Strictly Come Dancing, which has been sold around the world.

The two-hour show, to be broadcast from London this autumn, will see each couple perform two dances, with the second having a "national flavour".

Presented by Graham Norton, the show will feature couples from countries including Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Ukraine and the UK.

'Glitz and glamour'

Viewers will be asked to vote on the overall performance, including dancing, choreography, costume and choice of music.

An expert commentator will be on hand to describe each performance and the artistic content.

BBC One controller Peter Fincham said: "The Eurovision Song Contest has been a remarkable, long-standing success.

"The Eurovision Dance Contest is its natural partner. I'm looking forward to an evening full of stars and sequins, and glitz and glamour - a great night of family entertainment."

This year's Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Helsinki on 12 May.