Eurovision 2023: Worcester dancer Evie Maitland to perform at final

Evie Maitland has been involved in a number of routines during the semi finals this week and has shared the stage with Rita Oras.

Mum Claire Maitland has been proudly watching Evie’s performances from home and said the whole experience has been a dream come true for her daughter.

“She started dancing at two-and-a-half and it’s all she’s ever wanted to do, really,” she said.

Evie Maitland has been on stage with Rita Ora this week (Image: Evie Maitland)

“Evie did a couple of dance shows in Worcester and then when it was time to go to university she went to the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA).

“With Eurovision coming up, the BBC contacted LIPA wanting 30 background performers to dance in the show.

“So Evie went up to Liverpool for the day, auditioned in front of Lukas Mcfarlane, the choreographer, and got picked. She’s been up there for three weeks now and is loving every second of it.”

Evie, who works for a dance talent agency in London and teaches dance classes in Worcester, performed on stage in the opening performance for the first semi final and in interval performances with Rita Ora and with drag queens.

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She’ll be among the dancers performing with last year’s Ukrainian winners Kalush Orchestra when they open the Grand Final tomorrow (Saturday, May 13).

And she’ll be back on stage later in the night, entertaining viewers while the votes are counted.

“I’ve been watching all of it and pausing the TV to see Evie,” said Claire. “I’ve also joined a Facebook group of Eurovision fans and they’ve got some good videos with her in.

“I’m a very proud mum, especially as she is getting the chance to use her degree, dancing with people she graduated with. She’s living the dream.”

Mae Muller is the UK’s entry for this year’s competition with I Wrote A Song. She’ll be one of 26 acts competing on Saturday night.