EUROVISION SONG CONTEST - FORMER X-FACTOR CONTESTANT SELECTED FOR EUROVISION

A former X-Factor contestant has been selected to represent the UK at this year's Eurovision Song Contest.

Andy Abraham was chosen last night after winning a live public vote on BBC One.

Abraham's song Even If triumphed over five other competitors including former EastEnders star Michelle Gayle.

The 2005 X-Factor runner up looked amazed when he was declared the winner, managing only to say: "Oh my God".

Earlier in the programme he had declared winning the nomination would be a "dream come true".

Abraham, 43, will now represent the UK in Belgrade on May 24th.

The singer has achieved success in the past, notably his debut album The Impossible Dream, which was released on the back of his X-Factor success and reached number two in the UK Top 40 chart.

The former bin man described his Eurovision tune as a "funky love song about a guy who's found genuine love with a girl".

Last year, pop group Scooch failed to impress with their song Flying The Flag (For You), finishing 23rd out of 24 competitors.

Eurovision: Your Decision host Sir Terry Wogan said last night: "A turkey is one of the contender's for this year's Irish entry. For the past few years, we've been picking a turkey for the UK."

"Let's hope that the British public will make the right decision this year and give the UK's entry a fighting chance against the Eastern Bloc in Belgrade in May."


02/03/2008 10:29:08