McFly have revealed that they were once asked to represent the UK in the Eurovision.
The British group, made up of Harry Judd, Danny Jones, Dougie Poynter and Tom Fletcher, admitted that they were “pursued” a decade ago to appear in the popular song contest.
Judd told Metro.co.uk: “We were actually really pursued about 10 years ago [for Eurovision]. They were really trying to get us to do it, but it wasn’t right for us.”
The drummer claimed that 2022 runner-up Sam Ryder has “brought credibility back to the UK” in the competition and explained that “it’s a good place for new artists to be discovered”.
Despite turning down the offer 10 years ago, they admitted they wouldn’t be opposed to competing in the future.
He continued: “It’s a difficult one because it’s a great platform, you get seen by European countries – I guess never say never.”
This year’s competition is set to take place on May 13 in Liverpool on behalf of 2022 winners Ukraine, due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine with Russia.
In addition to the 26 acts going head-to-head in the international singing competition, last year’s winners Kalush Orchestra will take to the stage along with runner-up Sam Ryder, plus, some established Eurovision icons.
During the Eurovision Flag Parade of all 26 Grand Finalists, viewers will be treated to a unique performance by some past Ukrainian Eurovision contestants including GO_A, Jamala, Tina Karol, and Verka Serduchka.
For the first interval performance, during which voting across Europe and the world takes place, Ryder will return to the Eurovision stage after leading the UK’s biggest success in last year’s Contest for over two decades.
The final interval act, ‘The Liverpool Songbook’, is a celebration of the host city’s contribution to the world of pop music. Six past Eurovision acts will be brought together, including Italy’s Mahmood, Israel’s Netta, Iceland’s Daði Freyr, Sweden’s Cornelia Jakobs, Duncan Laurence from the Netherlands – plus Liverpool’s very own Sonia, celebrating 30 years since she came second at Eurovision in 1993.
Ahead of next month’s competition, UK hopeful Mae Muller thanked fans for their support after her entry track I Wrote A Song shot to the top of the iTunes chart just hours after it was released.
The London-born singer, 25, was announced as the act that will representing the UK in this year’s singing competition in March.
Shortly after, her entry track I Wrote A Song and accompanying video were released and raced up the iTunes chart.
Taking to social media, an ecstatic Muller tweeted: “Oh my goodness… I’m in shock! #1 on iTunes!!! I’m blown away by your support, thank you thank you thank you, so excited and grateful for this experience, a dream come true. Let’s do this, Eurovision 2023 baby!!!!!”
