Eurovision hopes won’t be dented by Brexit...just the usual reasons

EUROVISION: Remaining in EU would be no guarantee of UK song success

The UK’s chances in the Eurovision Song Contest are unlikely to be affected by leaving the European Union, with new analysis suggesting the country is just as likely to do well – or badly – inside the EU as outside.

Almost half of all winners in the contest’s 61-year history have not been in the EU or its predecessor, the European Economic Community (EEC).

And the UK has enjoyed roughly the same number of wins and second-place finishes both before and after joining the EEC in 1973.

But Britain can’t expect much support in the future from its nearest European neighbours, if recent trends continue.

This year’s Eurovision Song Contest kicks off today in Kiev, Ukraine. Fans will be hoping the Brexit vote does not harm the chances of UK hopeful Lucie Jones – though it has now been 20 years since the UK last claimed the Eurovision crown.

The Press Association has analysed the results of every contest to see whether being inside or outside the EEC/EU has any impact on a country’s performance. Sweden has shown itself just as capable of winning as a nonmember (with Abba in 1974, then again in 1984 and 1991) as a member (1999, 2012 and 2015).

Kindest voter to the UK has been near neighbour Ireland, most recently giving UK a total of 10 points in 2016.

France has awarded points only three times since 1999, while Germany hasn’t given the UK a single point since 2009.

Boffins have examined whether membership of the European Union, or its predecessor, makes a difference to the probability of winning the Eurovision Song Contest.

There are fears the vote to leave the union will impinge on the UK’s 2017 entry Lucie Jones’ chances.

The research shows, on past form, Brexit should make no discernible difference.

That will be cold comfort for Lucie, though.