Olly Alexander will represent the UK at the 68th Eurovision Song Content in Malmö, Sweden in May 2024.
The news was revealed by Alexander when he made a surprise appearance on the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ final on BBC One on Saturday night. Best-known as the frontman for Years & Years, Alexander is now embarking on releasing music under his own name.
With Years & Years evolving into a solo project and, in 2024, a brand new solo era, Alexander has enjoyed success in the Russell T Davies show ‘It’s A Sin’, which won Best New Drama at the National Television Awards. He was also nominated for Leading Actor at the 2022 BAFTA Television Awards.
Alexander has collaborated with music royalty including Sir Elton John, Kylie Minogue and Pet Shop Boys and he was recently immortalised at Madame Tussauds London.
Alexander says: “I’ve loved watching Eurovision ever since I was a little kid and I’m beyond excited to be taking part next year. As a young boy I always looked forward to this incredible event of unbridled joy, the wonderfully chaotic mix of musical styles, theatrical performances, heartfelt emotion and humour. I really can’t believe I’m going to be a part of such a special legacy and fly the flag for the UK in the gayest way possible, it shall be an honour! I’ve wanted to do this for a long time and it feels like the right moment to start releasing music under my own name. I’m determined to give it everything I’ve got and put on an excellent and unforgettable performance for you all!”
Alexander’s UK Eurovision song, co-written with Danny L Harle, will be revealed in due course.
Ben Mortimer, President Polydor Records says: “Polydor, as the British home of ABBA and Loreen, have a deep connection with Sweden and Eurovision. And, we also have a deep connection with the trailblazing, cultural force that is Olly Alexander, who we have worked with for almost ten years. He is quite simply an incredible talent who we are convinced will make a huge impact for the UK in this year’s competition. We are proud to be supporting him in his bid for Eurovision success.”
Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC says: “To have an artist of Olly Alexander’s calibre representing the UK in Malmö in 2024 is testament to just how much the BBC wants to keep momentum of Eurovision riding high since the UK had the honour of hosting the contest on behalf of Ukraine in Liverpool earlier this year. Olly is the perfect ambassador for the UK as both an immensely talented and world renowned artist and passionate fan of the competition.:
Suzy Lamb, MD of Entertainment & Music at BBC Studios, says: “BBC Studios is so excited to be working with the incredible Olly Alexander to create something very special for the UK at Eurovision. Olly is a world class, charismatic performer and we can’t wait for him to raise the roof at next year’s contest in Sweden.:
All three live Eurovision 2024 programmes – both Semi Finals and the Grand Final – will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on 7th, 9th and 11th May 2024.
