EUROVISION’S UK viewing figures this weekend were down nearly a quarter on last year’s show amid controversy over Israel’s inclusion in the contest.
Official figures released by agency Digital I showed that Saturday’s Grand Final brought in an average of 7.64 million viewers to the BBC – down from 9.98m for 2023’s showcase in Liverpool.
Saturday night’s viewership peaked at 8.46m – way down on the 11m recorded last year.
READ MORE: Israel didn't win, but Eurovision can't carry on as usual – here's why
This year’s competition was mired in controversy as pro-Palestine campaigners called for a boycott over Israel’s inclusion.
They argued that Israel should be removed, given Russia is suspended from the competition following its invasion of Ukraine.
The UK’s representative Olly Alexander rejected the idea of a boycott, saying removing himself from the contest wouldn’t “bring us any closer to our shared goal”. He called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the return of all hostages.
Pro-Palestine protests took place around the streets of Malmo over the last few days as Israel’s Eden Golan competed, with climate activist Greta Thunberg among those arrested on Saturday night.
READ MORE: Eurovision final: Ireland's Bambie Thug hits out at organisers amid Israel row
During Golan’s performance, footage from inside the stadium showed loud booing and shouts of “Free Palestine” from the crowd.
Earlier last week Tuesday’s first semi-final saw former Swedish contestant and opening act Eric Saade wear a keffiyeh pattern material, commonly used by people who want to show they are pro-Palestinian, on his arm.
Organisers said they “regret” that Saade “chose to compromise the non-political nature of the event”.
Meanwhile, Irish contestant Bambie Thug was forced to remove pro-Palestine body paint during the semi-final.
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