Top 10 forgotten UK Eurovision contestants
These unlikely stars represented the UK back in the day.
Top 10 forgotten UK Eurovision entrants
Olly Alexander took part in Eurovision in 2024
(Image: Getty)The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is set to return to screens tonight. Over the years, we have seen thousands of acts take to the stage for the hotly anticipated music event. The history of the BBC selection process is littered with those who failed to make the grade to those who have already found fame.
Express.co.uk counts down the famous faces you may have forgotten represented the UK at Eurovision.
10. Katie Price
Many Eurovisions fans may recall Katie Price putting herself in the running as a UK entry but it did not exactly go to plan for the model and singer back in 2005. That year, she came close to representing the UK, but came second in the public vote.
Katie performed her song Not Just Anybody, but finished second in the public vote to former almost-Girls Aloud member Javine.
Also trying out that year were Eurovision icon Gina G, and former Hear'Say member Andy-Scott Lee.
(Image: Getty)9. Olivia Newton-John
Before making history with her iconic role as Sandy in the popular musical Grease alongside John Travolta, the British-Australian actress represented the UK in Eurovision.
Born in England but growing up in Australia, the late singer and actress performed as the UK entry with the song, Long Live Love in 1974. But it was also the same year ABBA sang their hit Waterloo. The contest was held in Brighton that year and Olivia came in fourth place.
The singer, who sadly died aged 73 in 2022, went on to become a global success with over 100 million records sold, making her one of the highest-selling music artists of all time.
(Image: Getty)8. Liz McClarnon
After finding success with the girlband Atomic Kitten, Liz McClarnon was in with a chance of representing the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest back in 2007.
She performed her song (Don't It Make You) Happy but finished in fifth place.
(Image: Getty)7. Rita Ora
Before her roles on The Voice, The X Factor and The Masked Singer, Rita Ora tired her hand at a different talent competition when she competed in 2009’s Eurovision: Your Country Needs You.
The British-Kosovan star pulled out of the contest before it reached the live finals stage, and several years later got in a Twitter battle with winner Jade Ewen when she expressed her relief at doing so.
(Image: Getty)