Olly Alexander flying the flag for the UK at Eurovision in Sweden
The singer is the UK's entrant for the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest
Last updated 17th Dec 2023
Actor and singer Olly Alexander's been confirmed as the UK's entrant for Eurovision next year.
He revealed the news during the final of Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday evening telling host Claudia Winkleman he "loves Eurovision so much".
The 33-year-old who was born in Harrogate is best known as frontman of band Years & Years and was also the star of TV drama "It's A Sin" penned by Doctor Who boss Russell T. Davies.
Alexander 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!"
The song's not yet been revealed but it's been confirmed it will be co-written by Alexander and Danny L Harle, who has produced hits for Dua Lipa, Chic and Charli XCX.
This year's UK hopeful Mae Muller scored just 24 points with her track, 'I Wrote A Song' as Liverpool hosted the show on Ukraine's behalf. Olly will hope, perhaps, to emulate 2022's success when Sam Ryder's 'Spaceman' came second.
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.
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.