The organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest have issued a fresh statement pledging to "honour" the acts that were due to compete this year before the event was axed due to coronavirus.

This year's competition was due to be held in Rotterdam in May but earlier this week the plug was formally pulled due to the spread of the deadly disease around the globe.

Due to Eurovision rules, songs selected by the 41 competing countries for this year's content will not be eligible for the 2021 edition, although the selected acts may still compete - albeit with new songs - should their country wish.

In a statement today, however, organisers have revealed that they are "exploring alternative programming, but not a competition, to help unite and entertain audiences around Europe during these challenging times".

They added: "It is our intention with this programming, and on our online platforms in the coming months, to honour the songs and artists which have been chosen for the Eurovision Song Contest 2020."

Rotterdam is still in line to be the host city when the contest returns in 2021.