Is this the most political Eurovision ever? Event is thrown into chaos as ... trends now
It's meant to be a joyous celebration of European musical kitsch, but this year's Eurovision threatens to be the most political ever.
The buildup to the annual glitz fest is already being overshadowed by the Gaza-Israel conflict, with activists calling on organisers to ban the Jewish state.
Huge pro-Palestine protests attended by the likes of Greta Thunberg have already taken place in the host city of Malmo in Sweden - forcing Israeli singer Eden Golan to take shelter in her hotel guarded by armed police.
Dozens of officers patrolled streets surrounding the hotel, carrying out identity checks on car drivers and pedestrians and also patrolling the city centre following demands she be excluded from the competition.
Inside the venue all has not been running smoothly either, with an announcement that the Dutch entry Joost Klein will not be rehearsing 'until further notice' due to an unexplained 'incident' being investigated by the European Broadcasting Union.
Israel's singer Eden Golan has been confined to her hotel under armed guard due to concerns for her safety amid the Israel-Gaza conflict
Olly Alexander, representing the UK, has been criticised for previous comments he has made about the Union Jack and suffered a wardrobe malfunction during his first live performance
Thousands of pro-Palestinian activists have attended protests around the Eurovision venue in recent days
Meanwhile, venues across Britain are coming under pressure to cancel Eurovision gigs after coming under pressure from activist groups.
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There was a shock announcement on Friday afternoon after Dutch entry Klein missed his penultimate dress rehearsal slot.
It is unclear if the singer, 26, will be performing in Saturday night's final, or if any other act will replace him.
The EBU said in a statement: 'We are currently investigating an incident that was reported to us involving the Dutch artist. He will not be rehearsing until further notice.
'We have no further comment at this time and will update in due course.'
Klein was seen during the opening flag parade at the start of the rehearsal, but then did not appear for his stage slot around half an hour later.
Action group Brighton Queers for Palestine has posted the contact numbers for bars that are continuing with their nights as they tell their followers to 'call and ask them to reconsider screening Eurovision' as they outrageously accuse them of 'complicity in genocide'.
Some London venues have now called off their screenings over fears for the safety of staff - a decision described as 'shameful' by the Campaign Against Antisemitism.
Dutch singer Joost Klein was pulled from a dress rehearsal on Friday as broadcasters investigate an unexplained 'incident'
The UK's Olly Alexander, 33, has also faced intense pressure from some over his participation, with calls for him to refuse to compete alongside Israel
Sweden's ring of steel: One official told MailOnline: 'We are taking the security of Eden and all the other contestants very seriously but obviously; the focus is on her'
Only flags representing the countries taking part as well as rainbow-coloured flags will be permitted inside the venue on Saturday - Palestinian flags will be confiscated
Many pro-Palestine activists are furious that Israel are being allowed to compete in the contest, and have been gathering in their thousands across Sweden.
Thousands have attended protests outside the host venue in Malmo during both semi-finals, and another protest is expected to coincide with the grand final on Saturday.
Meanwhile the Israeli singer Eden Golan has been all but locked down in her hotel and confined to her room when not on stage due to fears for her safety.
Dozens of officers patrolled streets surrounding the hotel, carrying out identity checks on car drivers and pedestrians and also patrolling the city centre following demands from pro-Palestine protestors that she be excluded from the competition.
A large Stop Israel demonstration is planned for Saturday in central Malmo when the final takes place while around 10,000 attended a protest on Thursday against Israel's participation in the famous song competition.
Roads around the Malmo Arena, where Saturday's final is being held have already been sealed off with armed officers patrolling the
