Nil points! Public loses its vote on Eurovision entry

The BBC has scrapped the public vote to select the UK’s eurovision Song Contest entry, instead giving a record label the final say.

The decision is part of a drive by the broadcaster to boost Britain’s fortunes at the event after years of disappointment.

It means there will be no eurovision: You Decide show, which has run since 2016. The international music company BMG will select which act and song represent the UK in Rotterdam, Netherlands, next year.

At this year’s competition in May, hartlepool-born Michael Rice finished 26th, putting the UK at the bottom of the table for the first time since 2010.

The UK has not won the eurovision Song Contest since 1997 and has not finished in the top ten since 2009.

BMG, which will also release the UK’s eurovision song, published Sweden’s 2015 winning entry, heroes by Mans Zelmerlow.

The BBC’s Kate Phillips said: ‘Our commitment to finding the right song has never been higher and this collaboration with BMG, who have access to world-class songwriters, is a genuinely exciting prospect.

‘I am certain that together we can find the best song and artist possible for 2020.’ The Netherlands won the right to host the 65th eurovision contest when Dutch singer Duncan Laurence won this year’s event in Tel Aviv, Israel, with his doleful piano ballad Arcade.

Rotterdam’s Ahoy arena will host the semi-finals of next year’s event on May 12 and 14 and the final on May 16.

The UK won in 1997 with Katrina and the Waves’ Love Shine a Light.