Harrogate-born, Olly Alexander, a globally acclaimed music sensation and recipient of multiple awards, is set to be the United Kingdom’s representative at the 68th Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden, scheduled for May 2024. The announcement was made by Olly during the Grand Final of BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday, December 16th.
As he ventures into his first release under his own name, Olly Alexander, with three highly successful albums under his belt, the versatile artist — recognised for his roles as a singer, actor, and fashion icon — has achieved two #1 UK albums, 10 UK Top 40 singles, and recently received the prestigious BRIT Billion Award for amassing 6.5 billion streams globally. Transitioning from Years & Years into a solo endeavour marks the beginning of a new chapter for Olly in 2024, solidifying his status as a unique voice of our time.
The success of the Russell T Davies show It’s A Sin, in which Olly played a significant role, was highlighted by winning Best New Drama at the National Television Awards. Additionally, Olly earned a nomination for Leading Actor at the 2022 BAFTA Television Awards.
Olly 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.
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“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’m determined to give it everything I’ve got and put on an excellent and unforgettable performance for you all!”
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.”
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 7, 9 and 11 May 2024. Olly’s UK Eurovision song, co-written with Danny L Harle, will be revealed in due course.
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