Brits name the greatest Eurovision UK entry of all time - and it's an 80s classic
The UK has notched up five Eurovision Song Contest wins over the years, with the most recent victory in 1997, but which of the past entries are the most loved by Brits
The British public have had their say on the top UK Eurovision entries of all time. Despite many Brits hoping for Ed Sheeran, Adele or Harry Styles to represent the UK in the annual song contest, there's a wave of optimism this year among Eurovision enthusiasts that Remember Monday could break the UK's 28-year losing streak.
A survey revealed that 38% of Brits are devoted Eurovision fans, tuning in every year or most years and with anticipation mounting for Saturday's final, Brits have shared their rankings of past UK entries. Noteworthy mentions in the list of top UK Eurovision songs include Lulu's 'Boom Bang-a-Bang' from 1969, and Sonia's 'Better the Devil You Know', which just missed out on first place in 1993.
Cliff Richard's debut Eurovision entry in 1968, 'Congratulations', and Katrina and the Waves' 'Love Shine a Light', which marked the UK's last Eurovision victory in 1997, completed the top five in the poll of 2,000 adults.
However, topping the nation's favourite past entries are Bucks Fizz's 'Making Your Mind Up', Sam Ryder's 'Space Man' and Brotherhood of Man's 'Save Your Kisses for Me'.
Cheryl Baker, who secured the Eurovision title as part of Bucks Fizz in 1981, expressed her joy at being ranked the favourite of all time: "That's fantastic! It's amazing it was 44 years ago that we won."
"My favourite was Sandie Shaw with 'Puppet on a String', and I was so thrilled when I got to meet her. Brotherhood of Man were the biggest selling of the Eurovision entries – I think they sold six million records! But it's an absolute honour and a privilege that people think of our entry as the best of British.
"There's been so many great songs which have come from the UK over the years, and it makes me so proud that people think of Bucks Fizz when they think of Eurovision."
Chatting at the WhichBingo Awards, Cheryl also shared her thoughts on this year's UK entry, Remember Monday. Cheryl said: "I've never picked a winning song yet. I think the girls are fantastic, and the song is really good.
"I know the bookies are only giving it a 1% chance – but you never know. I love what the girls wear, it's almost theatrical, and historical in a way – it could be something from Bridgerton."
But she said this might not be enough, especially against Sweden: "They put everything in – it's not just the song and the singing, it's all in the production."
"I think they could possibly nick it, which would make them the most successful Eurovision country ever, and they'd love to take that crown – but we'll give them a good run for their money."
Hopeful that her song with Bucks Fizz will remain just as popular in years to come she said: "I'd like to think Making Your Mind Up will still be popular in another 44 years. The bit they always show on the telly is when the skirts come off, as simple as that was it made that performance, and that moment is what stuck in people's memories."
The study revealed that the key elements to a Eurovision-winning entry include a catchy, memorable chorus (38%), an unforgettable strong hook melody (34%) and an emotional or powerful vocal performance (24%). Other crucial components include a charismatic performer you can root for (20%) and a sense of fun and chaos (19%).
Charlie Shakespeare added: "We're backing Remember Monday to go all the way, but how cool would it be if Ed Sheeran stepped out for Britain one year? As our research shows, there's a few different factors which go into a knockout Eurovision performance. If they can stick close to them, there's no reason Britain can't go all the way.
"It's been great hosting so many stars at our awards ceremony this week. There's been a real buzz about the place with everyone chatting and having so much fun together."
TOP 10 BRIT EUROVISION ENTRIES
- Bucks Fizz – “Making Your Mind Up”
- Sam Ryder – “Space Man”
- Brotherhood of Man – “Save Your Kisses for Me”
- Cliff Richard – “Congratulations”
- Katrina and the Waves – “Love Shine a Light”
- Lulu – “Boom Bang-a-Bang”
- Sonia – “Better the Devil You Know”
- Olivia Newton-John – “Long Live Love”
- Bonnie Tyler – “Believe in Me”
- Cliff Richard – “Power to All Our Friends”