UK’s chances of ‘nul points’ at Eurovision just as high after Brexit

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 in voting 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.

The figures suggest that being a member does not increase significantly the chance of success. Of the 64 acts who have won the contest to date, a little over half (36) represented a country in the EU or EEC. Sweden has shown itself just as capable of winning as a non-member (with Abba in 1974, then again in 1984 and 1991) as a member (1999, 2012 and 2015).

The UK can no longer rely on its closest neighbours for support, however.

Since 2002 Spain has awarded the UK zero points every year except on three occasions (2009, 2013 and 2014). France has awarded points only three times since 1999, while Germany hasn’t given the UK a single point since 2009.

Katrina And The Waves star Katrina Leskanich will read out the UK’s votes at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

Leskanich, who won the contest for the UK in 1997, is following in the footsteps of Nigella Lawson with the role.

She said: “I am honoured and delighted to be invited to be the spokesperson for the UK at Eurovision this year.”

Katrina and The Waves are best known for the song Walking On Sunshine.