The UK has seen its fair share of highs and lows in Eurovision, winning five times and coming last five times since the song contest began in 1957.
Younger fans will be more familiar with our losses, as the five times the UK came in last place all occurred within the past 20 years — and that’s not to mention the number of times we’ve come second- or third-to-last.
Although the UK hasn’t won since 1997, we have historically seen a fair bit of success in the past, particuarly in the 1960s and 1970s, when we saw a string of first- and second-place prizes.
Plus, Sam Ryder bucked the trend and came in second place last year with his hit Space Man, losing to Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra, who were able to represent the country amid the war with Russia.
But, despite the UK’s generally underwhelming performances in recent years, a number of entrants have given great performances and have gone on to have successful careers. What’s more, is that some already-established stars have risked it all to appear on the show, like Lulu, Engelbert Humperdinck, and Bonnie Tyler.
Take a look at some of the UK’s best Eurovision entrants from the past 60 years below.
Sam Ryder (2022)
Sam Ryder stunned the UK and Europe with his song Space Man, which went on to be a huge hit, reaching number two in the UK singles chart.
Ryder’s success was the first time the UK had come second since 1998, and the first time the UK had placed in the top 10 since 2015.
Lucie Jones (2017)
Welsh musical theatre star Lucie Jones came 15th with Never Give Up On You in 2017.
Jones rose to fame after appearing on X Factor in 2009, and has gone on to have a successful career in musical theatre, appearing in Wicked, Les Miserables, Rent, and Legally Blonde.
Bonnie Tyler (2013)
Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler represented the UK with Believe In Me in 2013, but came 19th out of 26.
Tyler is known for hits like Total Eclipse of the Heart and Holding Out for a Hero, and has been nominated for three Grammy Awards.
Blue (2011)
Boyband Blue, made up of Simon Webbe, Duncan James, Antony Costa, and Lee Ryan, came 11th with their song I Can.
They previously had hits with Sorry Seems to B the Hardest Word, All Rise, Breathe Easy, and If You Come Back.
Katrina and the Waves (1997)
Katrina and the Waves, best known for their hit Walking on Sunshine (1983), won Eurovision with Love Shine a Light. It was the first time the UK had won since 1981.
The band broke up shortly after their Eurovision win. ,
Samantha Womak (1991)
Samantha Womak (then known as Samantha Janus) came 10th with her song A Message to Your Heart, when she was just 18.
Womak went on to have a successful acting career, notably playing Ronnie Mitchell in Eastenders, first appearing on the soap in 2007. She has also acted on stage and appeared in TV shows Mount Pleasant and Silent Witness.
Bucks Fizz (1981)
Bucks Fizz won Eurovision in 1981 with Making Your Mind Up, after the group was formed specifically for the song contest.
They went on to enjoy success in the 1980s, reaching number one in the charts with The Land of Make Believe, My Camera Never Lies, and their Eurovision hit.
Olivia Newton-John (1974)
Olivia Newton-John came fourth with Long Live Love in 1974, the year Abba won with Waterloo.
Newton-John enjoyed a successful music career following her Eurovision appearance, before famously playing Sandy in Grease (1978) opposite John Travolta.
Lulu (1969)
Lulu won Eurovision in 1969 with Boom Bang-a-Bang, but shared the title with Spain, the Netherlands, and France.
Lulu had already had a hit with Shout in 1964 and went on to perform the title song for the James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun in 1974.
Sandie Shaw (1967)
Sandie Shaw won Eurovision with Puppet on a String, becoming the first UK act to win the show since it began in 1957.
Already a successful singer in the 1960s, Shaw continued to work in music, as well as acting and writing.
Special mentions
The UK has come last in Eurovision five times, most recently with James Newman (2021), and Michael Rice (2019). The UK also placed in last with Josh Dubovie (2010), Andy Abraham (2008), and Jemini (2003).
Scooch (2007)
Scooch’s Flying the Flag (For You) only scored 19 points, resulting in the UK placing 22nd out of 24.
Jemini (2003)
Jemini scored ‘nul points’ and came last with Cry Baby, which resulted in the band losing their record deal and their album being shelved.
Englebert Humperdink (2012)
Legend Englebert Humperdinck came second-to-last with Love Will Set You Free. Despite his Eurovision failure, Humperdink continued to tour the world.
