The UK entry for the Eurovision Song Contest has been revealed and it's caused a real stir amongst fans of the annual event.
After it was cancelled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, this year's competition WILL go ahead in Rotterdam, although exactly what format it will take is still to be confirmed.
One thing we know for sure is that former Newcastle University student James Newman will be flying the flag for the United Kingdom and, after weeks of teasers as to what to expect from his track, it received its first play on Radio 2 on Thursday morning.
Embers is a very different Eurovision sound for the UK and a big contrast to My Last Breath, the song that singer/songwriter James was meant to be taking to the event last year.
And Eurovision fans have been quick to react to the song, with a largely positive response so far.
Addressing the frequent problem the UK has getting votes from other countries, one tweeted: "Listening to this clip I have to say this sounds really really good! maybe one of our best entries for a while, however this will not change the political voting of other countries and we will end up near the bottom again."
Also praising the song, another posted: "Sounds so current and chart-friendly, but so typically British, which have been missing for years. Great song!" and, in agreement, a third reacted: "What a bop! Brilliant entry from the UK!"
A fourth reacted: "embers is great!!! a refreshing entry from us and I think it will do well!
However, others aren't convinced it's the song that's going to change the UK's fortunes at Eurovision. One tweeted: "Oh dear! Yet another mediocre UK offering for the Eurovision song contest.
"Please please start listening and learning from our neighbours. No doubt we'll be bottom of the pile.... again!"
Another unimpressed Twitter user commented: "Why are our entries always so cringe?"
James, 35, is a highly successful songwriter, having won a Brit for British Single of the Year (2014) for Waiting All Night’ the massive number 1 from Rudimental and Ella Eyre.
He has also written hit singles like Lay It All On Me, performed by Rudimental ft Ed Sheeran, Calvin Harris and younger brother John Newman's smash Blame and Love Me Like You by Little Mix.
