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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Ryan Paton

Eurovision 2022: Why the UK are one of the favourites to win this year

The EuroVision grand final is set to air tonight.

The iconic competition will take place in Turin's PalaOlimpico - and will air from 8pm. The favourite to win the prize this year is the Ukrainian entry, Kalush Orchestra.

The spotlight is on the folk rap group as their country is still under attack from the Russian military. The UK's representative this year is Sam Ryder, whose song, Space Man, is proving to be incredibly popular with audiences.

READ MORE: Who is Ukrainian entry Kalush Orchestra and meaning behind Stefania

The TIkTok sensation has been tipped by the bookies as one of the favourites to win the top prize. This makes a change from the UK's usual performance in the contest.

Britain has become infamous for its low-scoring performances as last year's entrant James Newman finished in last place with zero points. Good Morning Britain's entertainment correspondent, Richard Arnold, spoke about the UK's surge in popularity on Tuesday's edition of the ITV news programme.

He said: "They say it isn't political, but clearly our bold posturing behind Ukraine has helped our situation with the leader board as far as Eurovision is concerned." Sam has a huge social media following and will likely receive some votes from his 12.4m TikTok followers and 3.7m Instagram followers.

Richard also said his likeability has established him as a Eurovision favourite. He added: "We've had him on the show, he's got an infectious personality, he has great warmth and a twinkle."

Katrina and the Waves was the UK's last Eurovision winner in 1997 and the lead singer said Sam's unique look is also one of the reasons behind his popularity. She told This Morning : "People are feeling the love for Sam. You know why? Because he looks like a Viking."

However, she was less optimistic about Sam's chances of pulling out a shock victory. She added "No, he can’t win. He won’t win. The Ukraine is going to win. It’s political – but it can be a heartfelt political moment. We need to give it to the Ukraine, come on."

The Eurovision Song Contest grand final will air on BBC One on Saturday, May 14 at 8pm.

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