Angela Scanlon has just taken over one of the biggest jobs on TV, but she remains surprisingly calm. In late March, it was announced that long-time BBC broadcaster Scott Mills had been fired following allegations over his personal conduct, with attention quickly turning to who would replace him on BBC Radio 2 and Eurovision. After nearly a month of intense speculation, it was confirmed that Angela, 42, would be his successor. At the time, the Irish presenter said it felt like joining the greatest party on earth, which was equal parts thrilling and terrifying. Now, speaking in Vienna, Austria, during Eurovision 2026, she shared how it feels to step into Scott's shoes.
This week, the former Strictly star entered the Eurovision commentary box alongside Rylan Clark for the first time for the BBC's coverage of the 2026 song contest. We caught up with her at her hotel following the first semi-final, ahead of the second, which will see the UK's act Look Mum No Computer perform for the first time. 'I grew up listening to Terry Wogan commentating and then Graham Norton, so now to join Rylan alongside those people who have lived in my head and heart for a long time is a big honour,' she said. 'I was delighted.'
Making the Role Her Own
When asked about taking over from Scott Mills, Angela emphasized her desire to set herself apart. 'I think when you step into anybody's shoes, you just want to make it your own,' she explained. 'No matter what job I have ever done, I am never trying to replicate a dynamic. I can do what I do, and hopefully that works.' Although she has avoided reading feedback on her first night of commentating, which was watched by 166 million people worldwide last year, her efforts have been called superb by viewers.
Angela credited her new co-host Rylan Clark with helping her stay calm amidst the chaos. 'He just welcomed me and said, "Babe, you will take to it like a duck to water." Which was his hope,' she laughed. 'He's done it for eight years and is a dab hand. It is wonderful to sit beside him. We have a very easy rapport and spark off each other. The team have also done it for years, so I felt in very safe hands and very prepared.'
Childhood Memories of Eurovision
Growing up in Ireland during the country's glory days, Angela remembers watching as her home country swept the contest with three wins from 1992 to 1994, and again in 1996. 'It was very central and very family orientated, which I love, and I think Eurovision has always had that appeal,' she recalled. 'I have distinct memories of iconic performers like Charlie McGettigan, Linda Martin, Johnny Logan, Niamh Kavanagh, and Eimear Quinn. All these people were cemented in my childhood memories.'
She also remembered pulling part of the house apart with her three sisters to make scoreboards for ranking the acts. 'Eurovision was a staple for us in my family. I remember it being event TV. We didn't have semis at that point; it was a one-night-only situation. We would take shelves out of the wardrobe to do marker scoreboards. It has very warm memories for me,' she said.
Serious Approach to Commentary
While Eurovision is known for quirky songs and attention-grabbing outfits, Angela says she takes her role of guiding UK viewers seriously. 'Most people sit at home and listen to the song once, but these people have been gearing up for months. There are campaigns and favourites. For me, it's really important to have context. I'm not just saying, "Oh, that's a nice dress" or "That's a cute song." I want to give it all the right level of respect.' She added: 'It's about finding the right tone between gently poking fun at questionable outfits and providing the facts.'
On the Boycott and UK Entry
This year, five countries, including Ireland, are boycotting the contest over Israel's ongoing inclusion. When asked how she feels being part of the BBC's broadcasting team while her home country bows out, Angela replied: 'I think that's a question for each broadcaster and the decisions they've made. Would I love to see them here? Absolutely.'
Although she's probably not allowed to say who her favourites are, she praised UK entry Sam Battle, performing as Look Mum No Computer. 'I am staggered by how Sam is taking it in his stride. I've never seen anything like it. I keep asking him if he's had rest. He has such a beautiful attitude. I think he feels like a bold choice. He has quiet confidence and self-assuredness, which is contagious. People are singing his song. I think his staging is really cool. He will give it his best shot – fingers crossed!'
Immersing in Eurovision Culture
Although Angela admits she's the first to rush home early during a party, she plans to fully immerse in the week-long celebration, including attending the famed EuroClub. 'I am usually sipping tea and in bed with an eye mask and lavender. However, I have been warned to brace myself for EuroClub tomorrow. It's happening, and I am on an early flight home on Friday. Let's see how that goes...'
The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest continues tonight with the second semi-final airing from 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
