Ukraine is now hot favourite to win Eurovision, with the UK’s entry also heavily tipped.
Kalush Orchestra are 2-1 with bookies ahead of the contest on May 14 in Turin, Italy.
If the rappers triumph, it would be a symbolic shunning of Russia over its invasion of their country.
The group has special dispensation to perform as most men of fighting age can’t leave Ukraine.
But the UK’s entry, TikTok sensation Sam Ryder, is closing the gap at 13-1 with his song Space Man, the fourth most fancied act behind Ukraine, hosts Italy and Sweden.
In the past 19 years we’ve come last five times; with Jemini in 2003, Andy Abraham in 2008, Josh Dubovie in 2010, Michael Rice in 2019 and James Newman last year.
In fact, the UK hasn’t managed a top 10 finish since 2009, when Jade Ewen’s It’s My Time came fifth. Sam, 31, from Essex, who has 12 million followers on TikTok and big-name support including Sia and Alicia Keys, previously said: “I don’t want fear of coming at a certain place in a table to stop me from being a part of something I enjoy so much.”
Russia was banned from the competition following its attack on Ukraine.
Organisers The European Broadcasting Union said allowing a Russian entry would bring the contest into “disrepute”.
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