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Producer's diary: Final furlong |
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Written by Administrator
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Saturday, 24 May 2008 |
In her last report from sunny Belgrade, BBC Eurovision producer Helen Tumbridge reflects on sequins, Sir Terry and saying goodbye
"I can't believe it's the final today. I'm having palpitations. I'm writing this from the Beogradska Arena, and it's a frenzy of activity. We're heading for the final dress rehearsal, which starts at 2pm. Andy is in make-up, the band are warming up and I am sewing on the last remaining sequin to my post-show party outfit.
The dress rehearsals went very well yesterday. The crowd really got into the swing of Even If and Andy really has the ability to connect with an audience. Our huge Scandinavian stage manager Henrik is still swaying, and I swear I even saw a foot tapping.
You'll be glad to know that the drum kit was worth all my flirting with many, many Serbian men - I'm now avoiding eye contact with them all.
Andy is proving popular with the press here. I have never seen so many film crews, and even I've done a few interviews myself. I think you'll find I'm now very famous in Azerbaijan.
Sir Terry Wogan has also now arrived. I took Andy to meet him yesterday and I ended up curtseying to Terry. It's a subconscious thing, I've tried to stop it but when I'm in his presence I just can't stop bobbing. Sir Terry, gracious to the end, gave some last wise words of encouragement to Andy.
And so, it will soon be all over. You can't vote for Andy in the UK, so instead I ask each and every one of you to send positive vibes. You can watch the show on BBC One from 8pm. Three and a quarter hours of glorious Eurovision - stick with it to the end, you know you'll be safe in Terry's hands.
In all my 18 years of working for the BBC, this is the most proud of anything I have even been involved with. It's a close call, but, it even beats being Head of Rude Shaped Vegetables on That's Life! Enjoy!"
Helen x
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