Olly Alexander flying the flag for the UK at Eurovision 2024

Some might know Olly Alexander as Ritchie Tozer from the 2021 TV hit, 'It's a Sin', and others will know him best for fronting the band 'Years and Years' - but last night, the journey of his career will next year be taking him eastwards... to Sweden.

The singer and Bafta-nominated actor has officially confirmed he will be representing the United Kingdom at next year's Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö.

He revealed the news on last night’s final of Strictly Come Dancing, where he told host Claudia Winkleman that he "loves Eurovision so much", and that it's, for him, a "dream come true".

The 33-year-old, from Harrogate in North Yorkshire said: "I do Claudia, I can exclusively reveal I will be representing the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest."

"What can I tell you? I'm planning it now, it's going to be spectacular - I love Eurovision so, so, so much, I'm so excited, it's going to be great" - before shouting "Sweden" alongside Winkleman.

He added: "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!

"I've wanted to do this for a 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 and put on an excellent and unforgettable performance for you all!"

We don't yet know the song that Olly will be performing at the Contest next May, but broadcaster BBC have confirmed it was co-written by Alexander and Danny L Harle, who has produced hits for Dua Lipa, Chic and Charli XCX.

We're coming off the back of a hugely successful year for the UK and its reputation of Eurovision, both, domestically, and internationally, having hosted the 2023 edition in Liverpool, on behalf of Ukraine.

For the UK, pop singer Mae Muller scored just 24 points with her track, 'I Wrote A Song' - a scoreboard Olly will be sure aiming to smash, especially after 2022's entrant Sam Ryder's entry, 'Spaceman' went astronomic, reaching second place with 466 points.

The 2023 contest was won by Swedish singer Loreen meaning next year's competition will take place in the country and coincide with the 50th anniversary of Abba's 1974 win with Waterloo.

The competition opened with a pre-recorded video featuring last year's winners from Ukraine - Kalush Orchestra - and a surprise appearance from the Princess of Wales, playing the piano.

Over the past decade pop superstar Alexander has scored five top 10 UK singles and two number one albums with his band Years and Years.

He was also recently awarded the BRIT Billion Award, having achieved a massive 6.5 billion streams globally.

The 2024 Eurovision Song Contest will take place on May 7, 9 and 11 2024.

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