Eurovision 2019: Show CUTS OUT as BBC forced to apologise for huge technical fault

Eurovision 2019 came to an abrupt end this evening as the show came to a sudden conclusion for viewers in the UK, leading the BBC to issue a statement on air.

The message appeared some moments after the scenes of jubilation from Tel Aviv in Israel cut to a black out.

Appearing on screen, the message read: “We are sorry for the break in this programme and are trying to correct the fault.”

It was later the message was taken off screen as the end credits for the semi-final were played out before the night’s programming schedule resumed on BBC 4.

 

The moment didn’t go unnoticed by viewers as they quickly took to Twitter to comment on the abrupt end to the first semi-final.

One viewer posted: “Shame this technical fault didn’t happen during Poland, Portugal or Montenegro song @BBCFOUR #Eurovision #EuroSemi1.”

Another added: “Well it’s a b***** good job your BBC Four ‘fault’ occurred just *after* they were all announced.”

A third remarked: “Yeah please make sure the satellite time is extended on Thursday!” in response to the official BBC Eurovision Twitter account posting the results of the semi-final.

Whilst a fourth chimed: “Genuinely thought my mam had ripped the aerial down because Hungary didn’t qualify.”

The technical fault arose at the exact time the show was scheduled to end according to TV programme listings.

Before the screen cut to black, the presenters announced the 10 countries making it through to the final this Saturday.

These included performers from Greece, Belarus, Serbia, Cyprus, Estonia, Czech Republic, Australia, Iceland, San Marino and Slovenia.

However, some viewers wren’t too happy with the results, disappointed the likes of Portugal and Hungary didn’t make it through.

Taking to Twitter, one viewer posted: “Worst #Eurovision ever. how is San Marino going to the final.”

Another opined: “Noo Hungary deserved to be qualified! I’m sorry but why Estonia, Iceland and San Marino ?!! #Eurovision.”

A third remarked: “Portugal were robbed! #Eurovision.”

The votes were given by viewers from the 17 competing countries taking part in tonight’s semi-final as well as the host country Israel and two of the Big Five, Spain and France having their say.

Going into tonight’s singing showdown, the Netherlands were the ones to beat, with their chances at taking the crown from Israel’s Netta Barzilai at 2-1 with Coral bookmakers.

10 more countries will secure their place in the final this Thursday in the second semi-final, completing the 26 entry line-up.

However, it seems Russia could be in trouble after their rehearsals were hit by a number of technical difficulties.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2019 final airs Saturday at 8pm on BBC One.

source: express.co.uk