Comic volunteers to represent UK after another dismal result

Almost 1,000 people have signed Chortle’s petition for Bill Bailey to represent the UK at next year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

The drive was launched after the comedian put his own name forward following another disastrou British s performance at the weekend

James Newman scored ‘nul points’ at Saturday night’s final in Rotterdam with his song Embers.

It is the second contest running that Britain has come bottom of the table, following Michael Rice’s efforts in 2019 – and in 2018 SuRie came only third from bottom. 

Yesterday, Bailey announced on Twitter: ‘I’d be happy to throw my hat in the ring for #Eurovision 2022’ – a post that has racked up 85,000 likes

And over 900 more have signeda petition on change.org to try to make that happen. Bill’s popularity has been proved by his success winning Strictly Come Dancing in December, and he is a long-term fan of Eurovision.

Supporters of the idea include Jack Whitehall, who tweeted: 'Please make this happen.'

Other fans said: 'If anyone on this isle can get us out of the nil point camp and create something that would appeal to the Eurovision audience, you can :)'; 'That is a brilliant idea Bill! We need a great deal of creativity and fun in our entry and you tick these boxes big time. As well as being a great musician'; and 'Would you mind also being PM?'

This is not the first time Bailey has put himself forward for Eurovision, volunteering for the 2008 contest - which was entirely ignored by the powers-that-be.

Bailey’s love of music is beyond doubt, given its prominence in his stand-up act. He started on the comedy circuit in the musical double-act The Rubber Bishops with Martin Stubbs, and was a long-time  team captain on the musical panel game Never Mind the Buzzcocks.

Next year’s Eurovision finals will take place in Italy. In some years, the UK’s entry has been chosen by a public vote via a TV talent contest, but Newman was chosen in an internal process between production company BBC Studios and leading record label BMG.

Click here to sign our petition.

Published: 24 May 2021