GRAHAM: Don’t fear the Brexit backlash! HOST SAYS VOTERS WON’T ‘PUNISH’ UK

GRAHAM Norton says Brexit won’t ruin the UK’s chances of victory in Israel.

This year’s contest takes place as we get ready to exit the EU.

But he doesn’t think that will mean we earn the dreaded “nul points” from other nations.

Commentator Graham said: “Brexit hasn’t affected things so far when it comes to Eurovision. And when you go to the contest each year now, you realise nobody cares about

Brexit.”

The UK hasn’t been victorious at Eurovision since 1997, when Katrina And The Waves entered with Love Shine A Light.

We have made the top 10 just three times since then.

This year, aspiring singer Michael Rice, inset, will represent us with his song Bigger Than Us.

But bookies think he will do badly. Paddy Power has The Netherlands as the favourites to win, while Michael’s odds are a dismal 100/1.

But Graham is confident our lad is in with a chance. He said: “The thing with Eurovision is you never know. You really never know.

“I think it’s a good song and I think Michael sings it really well.

“And so far I haven’t heard any songs that are that good, so that will help us.” The contest is being held in Israel after Netta won last year.

It will take place at Tel Aviv’s Expo venue on May 18 before an estimated TV audience of 200million. The city has never before hosted Eurovision. Chat-show host Graham said: “I’m looking forward to going to Tel Aviv.

“I’ve never been, so it should be good.”

Acts this year will include DJ Darude, who will be representing Finland.

Poland will be entering a folk band.

But Ukraine has pulled out after its act refused to perform for political reasons.

The semi-finals of Eurovision will be shown on the BBC on May 14 and 16, with the final on May 18.