Norton to succeed Wogan on Eurovision?

Graham Norton will replace Terry Wogan as the host of the BBC's Eurovision Song Contest coverage, reports The Sun.

Wogan, who has presented coverage for 37 years, confirmed earlier in the week that he would not return for further contests.

The BBC is now courting Norton to host the reality show Song For Europe, which will decide Britain's 2009 entry, and provide live commentary for the event.

A source is quoted as saying: "The BBC need an alternative and Graham is their man. He is currently talking to bosses about the Song For Europe show, which will run some time in March next year.

"Execs have big plans for the show and want to make it more glitzy, with one eye on X Factor. Terry may decide he still wants to do the commentary for the actual contest but if he doesn't, Graham will do that as well."

Wogan blamed his departure on the "political voting" system of the contest, stating that "former Eastern Bloc countries are not sufficiently versed in the ways of democracy to realise they are supposed to be voting for a song, not a next-door neighbour".