Manchester is on the shortlist to host the Eurovision Song Contest next year, with a decision due in autumn.

The city is joined by Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle and Sheffield, according to an announcement on Zoe Ball's BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show this morning, Friday.

Ball was joined by Scott Mills, a fixture of the UK's coverage of the contest, and Martin Osterdahl, the European Broadcasting Union's executive supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest.

After the announcement, Mills said: "The next thing to happen is these cities go to the second stage. They have to give a bit more detail about their plans.

"The decision is based on what city scores highest on the BBC's criteria."

He explained a decision is due in autumn.

If Manchester is successful, the contest is to be held at the AO Arena in the city centre.

Cllr Bev Craig, the leader of Manchester City Council, said: "We are thrilled to have made it through to the next stage.

"Manchester stands ready to put on the biggest party in the UK at the city's AO Arena, taking our place in Eurovision's unique history.

"We have a large and proud Ukrainian community in Manchester.

"It would be a privilege to host this iconic celebration on their behalf and we will do everything we can to honour them throughout."