Sam Ryder has said he feels “fantastic” and that he is looking forward to eating a curry with his family following his Eurovision success.
Ryder, 32, gave the UK its first top-three finish in the song contest in 20 years after clinching the runner-up spot on Saturday evening.
He picked up 466 points as Ukrainian folk-rap act Kalush Orchestra scored 631 with their song Stefania after a huge wave of popular support.
Landing at Heathrow Airport on Sunday evening, Ryder wore a pink bucket hat to celebrate the Ukrainian winners of this year’s competition.
Ryder, who was carrying a champagne-shaped balloon and a Union Jack flag, said he was feeling “fantastic” and added that he had an “incredible experience”.
Claiming he “didn’t expect” a reception, he paused to take selfies and chat to fans who had waited for his arrival on a flight from Milan.
“It’s just lovely to come home and feel that joy and love we’ve felt the whole time, though I am tired now – just want to focus on having a nice sleep tonight,” he said.
Asked the first thing he would do when he got home, Ryder laughed and answered: “Have a curry with my family.”
More than eight million people in the UK tuned in to watch Ryder’s Eurovision triumph on Saturday.
The 32-year-old TikTok star won over the audience with his uplifting pop song Space Man, dazzling in a one-piece suit encrusted with beads and pearls.
In a statement, the BBC said: “Sam’s performance was simply out of this world and we couldn’t be prouder of him, achieving the best result in 20 years for the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest, including winning the jury vote.
“Kalush Orchestra’s performance was incredible and generated a reaction both in the arena and around the globe like no other – we offer huge congratulations to Ukraine on their win.”
An average of 8.9 million people tuned in to watch the competition on BBC One, with a peak viewing figure of 10.6 million, the corporation said.
Last year, 7.4 million people watched as UK hopeful James Newman scored zero points and came bottom of the leaderboard.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said in a Facebook post: “Our courage impresses the world our music conquers Europe!”
“Next year Ukraine will host Eurovision!
“For the third time in its history. And I believe – not for the last time.”
Martin Osterdahl, Eurovision’s executive supervisor, said in a statement that the organisation’s attention has turned to next year’s competition and its “unique challenges”.
Ryder found fame covering songs on TikTok during lockdown, amassing 12 million followers and catching the attention of global stars including Justin Bieber and Alicia Keys.
In his first series of posts to Twitter since the competition, Ryder said: “Still up in Space, Man! Thank you all for blazing with love, positivity and kindness throughout this wild and euphoric experience.
“We completely felt your support and we so deeply appreciated it.
“Huge love to Kalush Orchestra for bringing it home for glorious Ukraine!!!
“Couldn’t be happier right now and I can’t wait to hug my grandad!!”
