Rylan Clark-Neal will miss Eurovision final due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’ as he jets back to the UK

Pulled out: Rylan Clark-Neil will not be in the Eurovision final
Rex Features
Jennifer Ruby11 May 2018
The Weekender

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Rylan Clark-Neal has pulled out of his role as co-commentator for the Eurovision Song Contest final as he’s been forced to fly back to the UK due to “unforeseen circumstances”.

The British presenter acted as host for Thursday’s semi-final but will miss the main event on Saturday, apologising to fans on Twitter.

He wrote: “Due to unforeseen circumstances having to fly back to the UK and will miss the final. GOOD LUCK to all delegations it’s been a pleasure meeting you all and most of all good luck to our girl @surieofficial .

“Thanks Team UK it’s been amazing @bbceurovision @Eurovision #AllAboard.”

Clark-Neil hosted the semi-final coverage alongside Scott Mills this week, with Graham Norton taking over hosting duties for the main event.

The 63rd Eurovision Song Contest is being hosted by quartet Filomena Cautela, Sílvia Alberto, Daniela Ruah and Catarina Furtado.

The Big Five qualify automatically for the final, including the UK each year – this year represented by SuRie. Portugal qualify by proxy of being the host nation.

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On Tuesday night, Israel, Finland, Ireland, Austria, Cyprus, Lithuania, Estonia, Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Albania went through to the final.

On Thursday night, Moldova, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Australia, Ukraine, Hungary, Serbia, Slovenia and The Netherlands made it through.

Cyprus is the favourite country to win – with Fuego by Eleni Foureira – with Israel’s Netta singing TOY a close second.

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