The running order for the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest has just been announced!

As has been the case for several years now, the running order has been determined not by a random draw but by the producers, the aim being “to create the most exciting television shows possible and ensure each act will stand out”.

The first semi-final will be opened by last year’s runner-up nation Cyprus. The unusual visuals of Australia and Iceland are placed back to back in the second half, while the show will close with a blast of colour thanks to San Marino and Serhat’s “Say Na Na Na”.

The second semi-final is topped and tailed by perennial rivals Armenia and Azerbaijan. The current bookmakers’ favourite, Duncan Laurence from the Netherlands, is given a prime slot near the end of the running order, with the other favourites – Switzerland, Sweden and Russia – evenly spaced throughout the show.

Now that we have the running order, stay tuned for the launch of our annual Line-Up Check series, in which our editors Shi, Felix and Martin turn their attention to each of the participating entries in turn. Debates and disagreements guaranteed!