A MAJOR British actress has been unveiled as this year’s Eurovision spokesperson.
The prestige honour will see the chosen star deliver the UK jury’s points during this month’s Song Contest.
Absolutely Fabulous icon Joanna Lumley has been chosen to give out the UK’s 12 points on the big night in Sweden.
Joanna was revealed when the UK’s commentator Graham Norton appeared on the latest episode of BBC One’s The One Show.
It will be the first time that the actress has been involved with Eurovision.
In a statement, the 78-year-old story said: “I am delighted to be announcing the jury vote for the UK at this year’s Eurovision.
“It’s such a fabulous honour to give the iconic ‘douze points’!”
During his unveiling of the actress on The One Show, Graham joked that she could deliver the result in her Ab Fab character, Patsy.
He joked: “Glassful of champagne, fistful of cigarettes. Yeah, do it.”
Many stars have taken on the iconic role over the years with actress and Doctor Who star Catherine Tate hosting live from inside the Liverpool arena.
Other famous faces to have been the UK’s spokesperson include AJ Odudu, Amanda Holden, Duncan James and Nigella Lawson.
This year will see singer and actor Olly Alexander represent the UK during the contest.
He will be performing his entry, Dizzy, later this month in Malmo.
Speaking about his involvement in the competition, which is watched by 160million people annually, he said: “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!”
Eurovision Song Contest entries 2024
Here are all of the acts taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest.
In 1999, a rule change allowed the United Kingdom, along with France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, to automatically qualify for the final, as they bring in the most revenue for the Song Contest.
They are joined in an automatic place in the final by the 2023 winning country, Sweden.
All the acts completing in Eurovision are:
- Albania– Besa – Zemrën N’dorë
- Armenia– LADANVIA – JakoAustralia
- Electric Fields– One Mikali (One Blood)
- Austria – Kaleen– We Will Rave
- Azerbaijan – FAHREE ft. Ilkin Dolatov – Özünlə Apar
- Belgium– Mustii – Before The Party’s Over
- Croatia– Baby Lasagna – Rim Tim Tagi Dim
- Cyprus– Silia Kapsis – Liar
- Czech Republic– Aiko – Pedestal
- Denmark– SABA – Sand
- Estonia– 5miinust & Puuluup – (Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi
- Finland– Windows95man – No Rules!
- France– Slimane – mon-amour
- Georgia– Nutsa Buzaladze – Firefighter
- Germany– Isaak – Always On The Run
- Greece– Marina Satti – ZARI
- Iceland– Hera Björk – Scared of Heights
- Ireland – Bambi Thug – Doomsday Blue
- Israel– Eden Golan – Hurricane
- Italy– Angelina Mango – La Noia
- Latvia– Dons – Hollow
- Lithuania– Sllvester Belt – Luktelk
- Luxembourg– TALI – Fighte
- Malta– Sarah Bonnici – Loop
- Moldova – Natalia Barbu – In The Middle
- Netherlands – Joost Klein – Europapa
- Norway– Gäte – Ulveham
- Poland– LUNA – The Tower
- Portugal – iolanda – Grito
- San Marino– Megara – 11:11
- Serbia– Teya Dora – RAMONDA
- Slovenia– Raiven – Veronika
- Spain– Nebulossa – ZORRA
- Sweden– Marcus & Martinus – Unforgettable
- Switzerland– Nemo – The Code
- Ukraine– Aloyna Aloyna & Jerry Heil – Teresa & Maria
- United Kingdom– Olly Alexander– Dizzy
