Let's get Bill Bailey to represent the UK at Eurovision

Petition launched after another dismal result

Bill Bailey has volunteered to represent the UK at the next Eurovision following another disastrous performance – so we’ve launched a petition to try to make it happen.

James Newman scored ‘nul points’ at last 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.  In fact, the UK has not made the top ten since Jade Eween in 2009.

This morning, Bailey announced on Twitter: ‘I’d be happy to throw my hat in the ring for #Eurovision 2022’ – a post that racked up 16,000 likes within an hour.

Chortle has now launched a 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: 23 May 2021

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