Eurovision 2020 cancelled over coronavirus pandemic with all acts invited back next year

EUROVISION 2020 has been cancelled over coronavirus.

The annual song contest was due to be held in Rotterdam in May but the global pandemic has made that impossible.

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

Dutch health ministry rules made it impossible for the competition to go ahead even without an audience, forcing the governing body of the competition to make the decision to pull the plug.

All 41 acts selected for this year's contest will be invited back to compete next year - however their songs will be ineligible.

The EBU confirmed the news in a statement reading: "It is with deep regret that we have to announce the cancellation of the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in Rotterdam.

"Over the past few weeks we have explored many alternative options to allow the Eurovision Song Contest to go ahead.

"However the uncertainty created by the spread of COVID-19 throughout Europe - and the restrictions put in place by the governments of participating broadcasters and the Dutch authorities - means the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has taken the difficult decision that it is impossible to continue with the live event as planned.

"We are very proud that the Eurovision Song Contest has united audiences every year, without interruption, for the past 64 years and we, like the millions of fans around the world, are extremely saddened that it cannot take place in May.

"We would ask people to bear with us while we work through the ramifications of this unprecedented decision and patiently await any further news in the coming days and weeks."

Tens of thousands of fans travel from all across the world to watch the competition which is watched by an estimated one billion people across the globe each year.

The UK was due to be represented by singer songwriter James Newman with his song My Last Breath.

He is best known for Number One hits Waiting All Night by Rudimental ft. Ella Eyre and Blame by Calvin Harris ft. John Newman, as well as singles Lay It All On Me by Rudimental ft. Ed Sheeran, All I Am by Jess Glynne and Love Me Like You by Little Mix.

He has also written songs for Jessie Ware, Kesha, Olly Murs, Zayn, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and James Arthur.

James is the older brother of John Newman.

It is not yet known if he will return next year.

Got a story? email digishowbiz@the-sun.co.uk or call us direct on 02077824220.

We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.