EUROVISION SONG CONTEST - EURO VICTORY FOR SCOOCH AFTER BBC GAFFE

Pop group Scooch have won the right to represent the UK in the Eurovision Song contest, but their victory was marred by an error when the announcement was made.

Presenters Terry Wogan and Fearne Cotton both called out different winners after Scooch and soloist Cyndi had taken part in a live "sing-off".

The crowd cheered at Wogan's announcement declaring Cyndi the winner only to be drowned out by Cotton saying Scooch had in fact won.

The BBC later apologised for the mix-up and confirmed four-piece Scooch had indeed won the contest.

A spokesman said: "This is live television and unfortunately sometimes these things do happen."

Scooch surprised the bookmakers by reaching the final two and ultimately winning the contest with their song Flying the Flag (For You).

Former Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins had emerged as the favourite for his duet with Beverlei Brown.

Liz McClarnon, formally of Atomic Kitten, was another fancied contestant who failed to gain the necessary votes.

This year's Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Helsinki on May 12th.

Scooch will be hoping their brand of simple pop will fair better than the UK's last entry. Daz Sampson finished in 19th with his song Teenage Life in a contest won by Finnish metal band Lordi.