Harrogate-born man to represent UK in Eurovision final tomorrow

A Harrogate-born man will represent the UK at the world’s biggest music competition tomorrow night.

Olly Alexander, frontman of UK-chart-topping band Years & Years, will go head-to-head with 25 other countries in the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö.

The competition celebrates its 68th anniversary this year and marks the beginning of Olly’s solo career after more than a decade of success with Years & Years.

The group achieved two number one UK albums, 10 UK top 40 singles and, most recently, were awarded the BRIT Billion Award after reaching 6.5 billion global streams.

But Olly will tomorrow face other European hopefuls alone – all competing to follow in ABBA’s footsteps 50 years on.

In an interview with the BBC, he said:

“I’m feeling very proud to be representing the UK with my song Dizzy. I can’t believe that it’s happening to be honest with you, this whole experience feels like a dream.

“I’ve watched Eurovision since I was a kid and now that I’m going to be out there on the stage, flying the flag for my country. It’s quite overwhelming but very exciting.”

He also said he has one pre-stage ritual, which is to “hug whoever I’m going on stage with”.

Olly Alexander rehearsing for Eurovision. Pic: BBC/Mercury Studios Media Limited.

However, Olly also told the BBC he did the one thing Eurovision contestants shouldn’t do – he looked at his odds – and it appears the UK doesn’t stand a great chance of winning (again).

“My odds for winning are at one per cent”, he told the BBC, adding “but that’s fine. It’s better than zero”.

According to EurovisionWorld.com, Croatia is favourite to win, with a 38% chance of success. Israel and Switzerland are next.

The competition is being held in Malmö following Sweden’s seventh win last year.

The final of the Eurovision Song Contest will be streamed on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 8pm tomorrow night (Saturday, May 11).

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