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Eurovision: A Diary from Athens
All the latest news from Terry Wogan, Daz Sampson and the team in Athens. For pictures of the week click here.
Sunday 21st May
What a night! Daz and the girls gave it their best shot, but the rest of Europe weren't bowled over. We received thousands of comments from you guys, supporting Daz and bemused by the Germans in cowboy hats and the Russian trapped in the piano!
PICS: See pics of Lordi at the winning press conference
Despite the disappointment of the result everyone, including Daz and the girls, headed out to the aftershow party. The victorious Lordi arrived to a whole lot of fanfare and could do nothing to stop the flashbulbs and squeals of excitement. At the end of a very long week we all headed off to the hotel and now its time for the airport. So long Athens, and until Helsinki next year, Kali Spera Eurovision!
Saturday 20th May - 12pm GMT
It's the big day and everyone is buzzing around in the Olympic Stadium sorting out the final preparations. The dress rehearsal has kicked off (about ten minutes ago) and Daz is due on stage in about an hour. We'll have all the latest news and pictures throughout the day. As Terry Wogan said, 'Put the kettle on mother, it's going to be a long night!'
Friday 19th May - Midnight GMT
Last night's semi final is over, and the ten countries who qualified are no doubt just dragging themselves out of bed with enormous hangovers [pictured: Turkey]. We received hundreds of emails from you all last night, and for keeping Paddy and the crew amused during the show we thank you!. You can read our favourite comments here. Most impressive was a bunch of farmers watching on a TV in a field in Norwich. Now there's something more surreal than the entire contest!
After all of your emails about Lordi, the metal act from Finland we have added some of his finer moments to the gallery. We have a rather scary close-up of the rubber-faced one, which you can view here. That link comes with a warning - don't click if you are feeling particularly sensitive today.
Thursday 18th May
Terry Wogan has arrived and was broadcasting live from Athens this morning, and in great spirits too. He was eager to share the Greek yoghurts and bananas that had been piled in the corner of his temporary studio. We were there with the camera, and hot-tailing Daz, who was feeling a little worse for wear after more Eurovision partying last night. Take a look at the pictures of Daz and Terry's morning here.
Terry will be taking in some sights this afternoon and when we are all working hard on the semi-final later, Sir Terry has been invited to take tea with the Greek Ambassador. He tells us he's looking forward to saying 'why ambassador, you are really spoiling us!'.
Wednesday 17th May
Most of the crew got the day off today, except for Paddy who has been rehearsing and writing his commentary for the semi-final which is only 24 hours away. The booth has been dressed up with union jack flags in anticipation of the 'booth camera'! You'll be able to play Boom-Bang-a-Bingo during the show and win Eurovision goodies!
The big news today is that Terry Wogan has arrived in Athens. We'll be up early tomorrow to meet him for his first show from Athens, with special guest Daz Sampson. Nobody seems to know where he's broadcasting from, only that a car will collect Daz and co. at 9am. Intriguing. Expect pictures and news from the show, right here tomorrow.
Tuesday 16th May
Another day of successful rehearsals for Daz and the girls, according to the people's champion himself the feedback was 90% positive! We're also fairly sure that Daz spoke to nearly every journalist in Athens - he is definitely spreading the word. Presenter Paddy O'Connell arrived today and met up with Finland's Lordi at a very scary metal venue in downtown called Underworld. You can see more of that on the night of the semi-final on BBC Three!
The night time was filled with parties and more parties, with Greece's stunning and hotly-tipped entrant Anna Vissi taking to the stage at the Greek party with her endless energy and enthusiasm. If you haven't heard her song head to the contestants area to watch the video. And wow, what an entourage - Anna was swept through the parties by heavies and fans and was barely visible as the tiny blonde figure in the midst of all the flag-wielding excitement!
Monday 15th May, 10.30pm
Today was first rehearsal for Daz and any doubts that Teenage Life couldn't sound as good live, were nailed. Daz and the girls finished the performance to applause from the auditorium and were rushed in a press conference where Daz showed that he is definitely not lacking in confidence and self-belief!
Referring to the World Cup Daz told the crowd of gathered international journalists 'Just like 1966 we're here to win it'. When asked if he's been wished good luck by the Queen Daz quipped, 'I haven't heard from HRH, but if I win I'll be expecting a Knighthood'.
Monday 14th May, 2am
The UK delegation have arrived safely in the buzzing city of Athens, where all the main streets are adorned with Eurovision drapes and posters. Sunday night was spent on the terrace of a local restaurant refuelling and tomorrow Daz has his first rehearsal and press conference.
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