Former UK Eurovision representative Lucie Jones has revealed she would love to see comedian Ricky Gervais take on commentary duties for the Eurovision Song Contest, praising his intelligence, wit, and unexpected love for the competition.
Ms Jones, who represented the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 with her powerful ballad Never Give Up on You, shared a surprising story about receiving a message from Mr Gervais during her Eurovision journey.
Ms Jones represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 with her powerful ballad “Never Give Up on You,”
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"Oh my God, can you imagine Ricky Gervais?" Ms Jones said when asked who she'd like to see as the face of the UK's Eurovision coverage.
"I mean, his comments — he actually sent me a message when I was on Eurovision because he watches it, and he sent me a message that I missed, and I saw years later,” Ms Jones explained to Sky Bingo.
The singer said the message had ended up hidden in Instagram’s message requests folder, meaning she completely overlooked it at the time.
“It went into that other folder on Instagram. And he was like, ‘Well done, you won’t win, but you did great.’”
The comedian has never expressed interest in commentating on the Eurovision Song Contest
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While Mr Gervais is best known for his sharp humour and brutally honest comedy style, Ms Jones admitted she was surprised to learn that the comedian is a Eurovision fan.
“It’s like, oh my God, Ricky Gervais. So, he’s not the sort of person you expect to be sat at home watching Eurovision, but he does love it.”
She believes Mr Gervais could bring a unique style to Eurovision commentary.
The role of Eurovision commentator has long been a pivotal part of the contest experience and is a position currently occupied by Graham Norton for the final, and Rylan Clark and Angela Scanlon for the semis.
The singer claimed he would bring a fresh vibe to the contest
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According to Ms Jones, Mr Gervais would stand out because his humor is rooted in intellectual rather than constant shock value.
“So, if he has watched it over the years, yes, he’s funny, and yes, he’s cutting, but he is super clever, and that’s what we need. We need someone at the helm who’s got the smarts.
“If they’re going to make a joke and it’s going to be cutting, then it needs to come from somewhere intelligent. And with Ricky, it always seems to. So yeah, he’d be great fun.”
Mr Gervais has never publicly expressed interest in becoming an official Eurovision commentator; however, now that Ms Jones has made the first leap at suggesting him, it could encourage more to agree.
Mr Gervais has previously shut down the idea of his character's performance
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The BBC's commentary line-up underwent a shake-up this year following Radio 2 DJ Scott Mills' departure from the corporation.
He was replaced by Ms Scanlon in the Eurovision line-up and Sara Cox in the Radio 2 Breakfast slot.
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