Bill Bailey starts writing song for Eurovision Song Contest 2022

Will it be selected for the UK?!

Bill Bailey at the Virgin Media BAFTA TV Awards 2021
Author: Scott ColothanPublished 7th Jun 2021

Bill Bailey has started writing a song that he’s hoping to submit for the United Kingdom’s entry at the Eurovision Song Contest 2022.

In the immediate aftermath of James Newman’s performance of ‘Embers’ scoring nil points for the UK in Rotterdam last month, Bill Bailey said he wanted to represent the UK at Eurovision next year.

He wrote on Twitter: 'I’d be happy to throw my hat in the ring for #Eurovision 2022.'

Appearing on the red carpet at last night’s Virgin Media BAFTA TV Awards 2021 at Television Centre, 56-year-old Bill revealed that he has started penning a song for Eurovision 2022 and insisted the only way is up for the UK.

“Yes, do you know what? I was writing (a Eurovision song) today,” he told fellow comedian Tom Allen. “This very day… because I just thought, why not? Come on, we’ve not been doing well lately.

“It couldn’t have gone worse (this year). We need to inject a bit of fun, I think.”

Bill Bailey dances to Metallica's 'Enter Sandman'

Bill Bailey previously said in 2007 he wanted to win Eurovision for the UK and he was penning a number of songs his fans could vote on for his performance. The plans never came into fruition and the UK’s entry Andy Abraham duly finished bottom of leaderboard the following year.

Whether Bill’s newly penned song gets selected and he goes on to represent the UK in Italy next May remains to be seen.

A huge rock music fan and multi-instrumentalist, Bill Bailey famously covered Metallica’s ‘Enter Sandman’ on horns at Sonisphere in July 2011.

Bill plays numerous musical instruments including keyboard, guitar, theremin, horns, kazoo and bongos, and he incorporates music from a variety of genres into his comedy act, including, most notably, progressive rock from the 1970s.

Last December, Bill won Strictly Come Dancing.

Check out which celebs are rumoured for Strictly Come Dancing this year:

Chris Whitty

Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty has been an integral part of the team during the Coronavirus pandemic, but if rumours are anything to go by, Strictly bosses are doing everything in their power to sign him up for the 2021 series.

Vicky McClure

Following the popularity and success of Line of Duty, main actress Vicky McClure has been linked to the 2021 series of Strictly. According to the bookies, Vicky is 11/10 to join the show.

Gregory Piper

Another Line of Duty star rumoured to switch the cop cars for the dancefloor is Gregory Piper, who played the role of PC Ryan Pilkington in the hit drama.

Perri Kiely

Diversity star and KISS FM Breakfast presenter Perri Kiely recently confessed he'd love to take part on the show. Speaking to Digital Spy, the former BGT winner said: "If it was on a technical level, that would be horrendous, so I'd definitely love to give it a go. But I'm not sure people would see that. They'd probably see an unfair advantage. People thought I was cheating on Dancing on Ice, let alone Strictly Come Dancing."

Tom Malone Jr

After leaving Gogglebox earlier this year, Tom Malone Jr has expressed his interest in appearing on Strictly. He told the Express: "If the opportunity came up to go on Strictly as a contestant, I've never done Ballroom in my life, so it'd be interesting to see how as someone who breaks."

Munroe Bergdorf

Model Munroe Bergdorf has revealed she wants to make history by becoming Strictly Come Dancing's first ever transgender contestant.

She told the Make It Reign podcast: "I've always said that 'Strictly' is the only one that I've got a desire to do. I've got a plan. I want to get everything done that I want to achieve, then I can start doing those shows. It's really exciting."

Carrie Symonds

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's partner Carrie Symonds has also been a name on the rumour mill. However, judge Shirley Ballas seemed to dismiss these claims recently, telling Metro.co.uk: "99.9999%, it is a family show, it's not a political agenda."

Cheryl

After jumping over to the BBC for The Greatest Dancer, following her stint as a judge on The X Factor, rumours have continuously linked Cheryl to Strictly Come Dancing, so will she appear in 2021?

Tommy Fury

After showcasing his 'moves' on his spin-off show The Boxer and the Ballroom Dancer with Love Island co-star Curtis Pritchard, fans have been urging Strictly to sign up boxer Tommy Fury.

Maya Jama

TV presenter Maya Jama was heavily rumoured for the 2020 series, but after she was a no-show in the line-up, fans are hoping she will make an appearance this year.

Alan Carr

Funny man Alan Carr would make a great addition to the show! Alan appeared on Loose Women last year where he confirmed he'd been asked to take part, so will we see him on the 2021 series?

Michelle Keegan

Since her husband Mark Wright made it into the Strictly final in 2014, every year rumours have been rife that actress Michelle Keegan will sign up.

But Mark set fire to the rumours even further when he took part in Christmas special back in 2019, telling the Radio Times, "Never say never, but I just think her nerves would go to another level."

Now read:

BAFTA TV Awards 2021: The full list of winners

Bill Bailey wants to represent the UK at Eurovision 2022

How to listen to Downtown Radio:

Tune into Northern Ireland's Home of Great Music, Downtown Radio on FM, AM, DAB Digital Radio, online, on our Rayo app and by asking your smart speaker to 'Play Downtown Radio'. Gary & Glen kick things off every weekday morning and Neal McClelland brings you home on Downtown Drive.