The Eurovision Song Contest is back for another year and once again the United Kingdom are involved.
After the coronavirus pandemic forced its cancellation last year, the 65-year-long event has returned, with the action this year coming from Rotterdam.
The Netherlands earned the right to host Eurovision after Duncan Laurence triumphed in 2019 with Arcade and thousands of Dutch fans will get to enjoy the Eurovision semi finals and Saturday's final.
The UK has enjoyed mixed fortunes to say the least in the contest, especially in the past 20 years. Our last win came courtesy of Katrina & The Waves and their song Love Shine A Light back in 1997.
Since then, we've largely finished on the wrong side of the leaderboard, with a few last places and even a nil points for Jemini in 2003.
Who is representing the UK in Eurovision this year?
This year's UK act is James Newman with his song Embers.
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.
The former Newcastle University student was set to fly the flag for the UK last year with his song My Last Breath and has been given a second chance to impress in 2021.
He has been drawn in the first half for Saturday's final and will perform 9th.
What are his chances of winning?
As you'd probably expect, given the UK's poor run of form in Eurovision, bookies aren't too hopeful for a good outcome.
At the time of writing on Friday afternoon, Betfair had James at 250/1 to win, having drifted from 150/1 earlier in the week, with other bookmakers giving him even less favourable odds, including Sporting Index who have him at 300/1.
Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: “Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: “It looks like it could be a year for one of the 'Big Five' nations, with both France and Italy first and second favourites to take Eurovision glory.
"Meanwhile, James Newman's odds have lengthened again overnight and he is now a 250/1 long shot to triumph this year, in what seems a bridge too far for the UK yet again.”
