Olly Alexander is the latest UK representative bidding for Eurovision glory.
Years & Years frontman Olly Alexander shoulders the hopes of the UK in tonight's live Eurovision 2024 final in Malmo, Sweden.
Olly Alexander was revealed as the UK representative for the 68th Eurovision Song Contest during the 2023 Strictly Come Dancing final in December.
A six-time Brit Awards nominee, Olly has achieved two number one albums and a number one single (King), while he was nominated for various TV awards for his performance as Ritchie Tozer in Channel 4's 2021 drama series It's a Sin.
As the news broke, the UK were quickly installed as joint favourites to win Eurovision 2024 but support has faded quickly since the release of the song, Dizzy.
Has the UK ever won Eurovision?
The UK has won the contest five times (1967, 1969, 1976, 1981 and 1997) and finished second on a record 16 occasions, most recently with Sam Ryder’s Space Man in 2022.
The UK also has the record for the longest-running string of Top 5 placings, as well as the record for the longest run of consecutive appearances in the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest.
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Of course, the UK's participation in the final is no longer in doubt.
The UK is part of the ‘Big Five’ who automatically qualify for the Grand Final alongside the hosts.
Who are the Big Five in Eurovision?
The 'Big Five' is the group of countries who make the biggest financial contribution towards the organisation of the contest via their broadcasters.
It first formed in 2000 comprising the UK, Spain, France and Germany, before Italy joined in 2011.
This year marked the first time the ‘Big Five’ had performed live in the semi-final stage of the competition.
Alexander featured in Semi-Final 1 alongside Germany and hosts Sweden, while France, Italy and Spain entered Eurovision 2024 proceedings in Semi-Final 2.
Which countries have the best Eurovision record?
Ireland and Sweden share the record for most wins at Eurovision with seven.
Sweden has the significantly stronger recent record, however, winning the contest four times since the last of Ireland's wins in 1996.
While the UK hasn’t won since 1997, its five wins put it level with Luxembourg, France and the Netherlands inside the top six most successful countries.
