The UK at Eurovision in 10 Stats

This coming Saturday (17th May) sees the yearly carnival of flamboyance that is the Eurovision Song Contest take place in Basel in Switzerland, with 37 countries all hoping to follow in the footsteps of last year's winner, Nemo. The UK has been a part of the annual continental musical jamboree for almost 70 years. So we've taken a look at our stats to date - and some other fascinating facts - that will give you pause for thought before you start making your mind up in the voting…

First Year of Entry: 1957

Patricia Bredin, "All", finished 7th

Number of Wins: 5

Sandie Shaw, "Puppet On A String" (1967)
Lulu, "Boom Bang-A-Bang" (1969)
Brotherhood of Man, "Save Your Kisses For Me" (1976)
Bucks Fizz, "Making Your Mind Up" (1981)
Katrina and the Waves, "Love Shine A Light" (1997)

Highest Number of Points to Win: 227

Katrina and the Waves, "Love Shine A Light" (1997)

Number of 2nd Places: 16

First - Pearl Carr and Teddy Johnson, "Sing Little Birdie" (1959)
Most Recent - Sam Ryder, "Spaceman" (2022)

Number of Nul Points: 2

First - Jemini, "Cry Baby" (2003)
Most Recent - James Newman, "Embers" (2021)

UK Entries That Reached Number One in the UK Singles Chart: 5

First - Sandie Shaw, "Puppet On A String" (1967)
Most Recent - Gina G, "Ooh Aah… Just A Little Bit" (1996)

Number of Times the UK has Hosted Eurovision: 9

First - 1960 (Royal Festival Hall, London)
Most Recent - 2023 (Echo Arena, Liverpool)

Longest Running UK Commentator: Sir Terry Wogan (1980 - 2008)

"Who knows what hellish future lies ahead? Actually, I do. I've seen the dress rehearsals…"

Other Countries in "The Big Five":

France, Germany, Spain and Italy

This Year's UK Entry:

Remember Monday, "What The Hell Just Happened?"

For those budding future Eurovision representatives - or super fans - you can explore our range of “douze points” All Singing All Dancing experience gifts that we have available to book, from Band Recording Studio Sessions to our Superstar Singer packages!