Actor and Years and Years star Olly Alexander will represent the UK at next year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
The 33-year-old singer announced he would be the UK’s entrant in the annual contest during Strictly Come Dancing’s Grand Final on Saturday.
It will be held in Malmo, Sweden, in May.
Alexander scored two number 1 albums with Years & Years, as well as 10 UK Top 40 singles – including King, Shine and If You’re Over Me.
The pop star said he was “so excited” to be the UK’s entry for Eurovision 2024, and added: “I’ve wanted to do this for a long long time and it feels like the right moment to start releasing music under my own name.
“I’m determined to give it everything I’ve got!! I shall put on an excellent and unforgettable performance for you all! let’s do this!!!”
Alexander added in a statement: “I’ve loved watching Eurovision ever since I was a little kid and I’m beyond excited to be taking part next year.
“As a young boy I always looked forward to this incredible event of unbridled joy, the wonderfully chaotic mix of musical styles, theatrical performances, heartfelt emotion and humour.
“I really can’t believe I’m going to be a part of such a special legacy and fly the flag for the UK in the gayest way possible, it shall be an honour.”
Read more:
The seven stand-out moments of 2023’s grand final
Olly Alexander poses on the red carpet during the MTV Europe Music Awards 2021. Pic: REUTERS/Marton Monus
Alexander’s entry follows Mae Muller finishing second to last in this year’s competition held in Liverpool.
The 26-year-old’s I Wrote A Song was only beat out by Germany’s pop-metal act Lord Of The Lost.
Eurovision entrants from the UK have struggled in recent years, placing dead last in 2021 and 2019.
However, Sam Ryder’s Spaceman soared in 2022, taking the UK to second place behind Ukraine.
