Most Successful UK Eurovision Winners: Chart-Topping Hits Revealed

The UK's Eurovision journey stands out with five victories and an incredible sixteen second-place finishes. These achievements tell only part of the story, as UK Eurovision winners have left an even bigger mark on the music charts.

Brotherhood of Man's "Save Your Kisses For Me" stands in a league of its own. This song became the only Eurovision entry that sold more than a million copies in the UK. British Eurovision entries have created lasting musical legacies, from Sandie Shaw's chart-topping "Puppet On A String" in 1967 to Sam Ryder's remarkable "Space Man" in 2022.

Would you like to discover which UK Eurovision songs reached the pinnacle of success and won over people's hearts? These musical treasures proved themselves far beyond mere competition entries.

Brotherhood of Man – Save Your Kisses for Me (1976)

Image Source: Amazon UK

Brotherhood of Man made Eurovision history at The Hague in 1976. Their catchy tune "Save Your Kisses for Me," which Tony Hiller wrote with band members Lee Sheriden and Martin Lee, became more than just a contest winner - it turned into a genuine cultural phenomenon.

Save Your Kisses for Me UK sales record.

"Save Your Kisses for Me" took the UK charts by storm. The song earned its platinum certification in May 1976 and stayed at number one for six straight weeks. The track became that year's highest-selling single.

The song's success stands out because it sold over a million copies in the UK market alone. A 2012 report shows it still holds the record as the UK's biggest-selling Eurovision song ever. The song's appeal went way beyond the reach and influence of British shores and ended up selling more than six million copies worldwide.

Eurovision win and points tally.

Nobody could have predicted their record-breaking victory as the Brotherhood of Man opened the 1976 Eurovision Song Contest. They grabbed an impressive 164 points to win, beating France by 17 points.

The band received a maximum of twelve points from seven countries. They still hold the highest relative score under the voting system that started in 1975, scoring an average of 9.65 points per jury. No other entry has matched their dominance since this system began.

Why it's the UK's biggest Eurovision hit

Numbers tell only part of the story - this song truly resonated with people. "Save Your Kisses for Me" topped the charts in 33 different countries. Guy Lutman's choreography and the memorable performance helped the song become embedded in people's minds.

The band proved that performing first wasn't a disadvantage. Their catchy melody and polished presentation won hearts everywhere. The song's momentum built up naturally, as it had already topped the UK charts before the Eurovision final.

Martin and Nicky's real-life relationship added genuine chemistry to their performance. Their coordinated red, white, and black outfits went together, with their synchronised movements, to create a complete visual package.

"Save Your Kisses for Me" surpassed its Eurovision victory to become a worldwide hit that people still love nearly fifty years later.

Bucks Fizz – Making Your Mind Up (1981).

Image Source: The Irish Independent

Bucks Fizz started their journey as Eurovision contestants in 1981 and became chart superstars within months. Bobby G, Cheryl Baker, Mike Nolan and Jay Aston formed a quartet that left their mark on British music with their catchy first single.

Making Your Mind Up's chart-topping debut

"Making Your Mind Up" won the UK's national selection show A Song for Europe with ease in March 1981. The song entered the UK charts at number 24. Its popularity grew faster than expected, jumping to number 5 the next week and reaching number 1, where it stayed for three weeks. The song became one of 1981's biggest hits.

RCA Records didn't show much interest at first and released the single without a picture sleeve in the UK. The song's chart success changed their minds quickly. After winning Eurovision, "Making Your Mind Up" turned into a global sensation. The single sold over four million copies worldwide and landed at number 47 on the UK's best-selling singles list of the 1980s.

The iconic Eurovision performance

Bucks Fizz performed fourteenth on stage in Dublin on April 4, 1981. The voting kept everyone on edge as five different songs took the lead. "Making Your Mind Up" ended up winning with 136 points, beating Germany by just four points.

The performance stood out thanks to a clever costume reveal. The guys pulled off the girls' outer skirts to show mini-skirts underneath, right when they sang "if you want to see some more". Cheryl Baker said it best: "That song and that piece of Velcro have just changed our lives".

Bucks Fizz's continued success

Bucks Fizz proved they weren't just another Eurovision one-hit wonder. Their next single, "Piece of Action", reached number 12 in the UK charts, and their first album, named after the band, made it to the top 20. The group racked up an impressive 20 UK hit singles.

The 1980s brought more success with two UK number ones: "The Land of Make Believe" and "My Camera Never Lies". The band's music reached fans in Europe, Japan, Australia and the Philippines. They became one of the decade's top-selling acts.

Katrina and the Waves – Love Shine a Light (1997)

Image Source: YouTube

British-American rock band Katrina and the Waves brought the Eurovision trophy back to the UK with their anthemic "Love Shine a Light" in 1997. This came nearly two decades after Bucks Fizz's triumph. Guitarist Kimberley Rew wrote the song for a Samaritans charity anniversary, and it unexpectedly became Eurovision history.

Love Shine a Light's Eurovision dominance

The band's performance came 24th in the running order at Dublin's Point Theatre. They scored an unprecedented 227 points and shattered previous records. Their victory margin was remarkable - a 70-point lead over Ireland's second-place entry. This became the largest winning margin in contest history at that time. The song's broad appeal was clear as ten countries gave "Love Shine a Light" the maximum 12 points.

Katrina Leskanich couldn't believe their success. "We were constantly told by everybody, 'you can't win it', even when the votes were coming in!". The win was so decisive that they secured victory before the final vote count.

Chart performance and public love

The Eurovision success launched "Love Shine a Light" to become Katrina and the Waves' biggest UK hit. The song peaked at number 3 in the UK Singles Chart, surpassing their previous international hit "Walking on Sunshine". The track became a commercial success all over Europe.

Legacy of the UK's last Eurovision win

"Love Shine a Light" remains the UK's most recent Eurovision victory after twenty-six years. The song's lasting effect became clear during the 2020 pandemic. Eurovision: Europe Shine a Light (named after the song) featured European artists performing the track from their homes.

Katrina Leskanich knew why the song worked so well for Eurovision. "It was such a feel-good, lighters-in-the-air, cheesy number... Love Shine A Light is made for this event, because there is so much drama in that song". This triumphant performance stands as a remarkable bookend to the UK's five contest victories, at least until another British entry claims Eurovision glory.

Gina G – Ooh Aah... Just a Little Bit (1996)

Image Source: YouTube

Australian-born Gina G created one of the UK's most successful Eurovision entries with her 1996 hit "Ooh Aah... Just a Little Bit." The dance-pop anthem didn't win the contest but proved that Eurovision success goes beyond competition results.

Chart-topping success in the UK and US

"Ooh Aah... Just a Little Bit" landed at number 6 on the UK Singles Chart on March 31, 1996. The song climbed faster to number 2 within two weeks. After dominating the top three for five weeks, it grabbed the number 1 spot during its eighth chart week, right after Gina's Eurovision performance. The single showed its strength by staying on the UK Official Singles Chart for 27 weeks.

The song's real distinction came from its breakthrough in America. The US release in November 1996 reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for 30 weeks. The track also soared to the top 5 on both Billboard's Dance Club Play chart and Top 40/Mainstream chart.

Eurovision placing vs. commercial success

While "Ooh Aah... Just a Little Bit" dominated commercially, it placed eighth at the 1996 Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo. The song earned 77 points, with Portugal and Belgium each giving it the maximum 12 points. The track stands as the last UK Eurovision entry to hit number 1 in the country's charts as of 2025.

The song's influence spread beyond Eurovision, becoming a top-five hit across Australia, Denmark, Hungary, and Norway. The track peaked at number 9 on the Eurochart Hot 100 in June 1996.

Gina G's fashion and Grammy nod

Gina's style choices played a vital role in the song's popularity. She wore dazzling metallic outfits and performed colourful dance routines that captured the 90s pop culture. This complete package helped the song define its era.

The song earned a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording in 1998, a rare feat for a Eurovision entry. Twenty-five years later, "Ooh Aah...Just a Little Bit" still commands attention, with 478,636 seconds of UK radio and TV airtime in 2020 - that's 5.5 straight days of play.

Cliff Richard – Congratulations (1968)

Image Source: Cliff Richard Song Database

"They will have to shoot me to stop it. I shall cling to the wreckage for as long as I can." — Sir Terry Wogan, Legendary BBC broadcaster and iconic Eurovision commentator (37 years)

Sir Cliff Richard, a 10-year-old pop star in 1968, came close to becoming a Eurovision champion with his catchy tune "Congratulations." Bill Martin and Phil Coulter's creation turned into one of the contest's most memorable entries, despite finishing second.

Congratulations, UK chart history

British audiences fell in love with "Congratulations" right away. The single hit the charts just a week after its March 1968 release and quickly rose to number 1. It stayed at the top spot for two weeks and managed to keep its place in the UK top 40 for 13 weeks. The song earned gold certification in the UK. The track topped charts all over Europe, including Spain, the very country that stopped it from winning Eurovision.

EMI records showed "Congratulations" had sold an impressive 2,258,677 units worldwide by 1989.

Eurovision runner-up controversy

The 1968 Eurovision Song Contest at London's Royal Albert Hall saw "Congratulations" as the clear favourite. British media confidently asked: "What will come second to 'Congratulations'?". The voting turned into a nail-biting affair when Spain's entry "La, la, la" by Massiel pulled ahead after Germany's crucial vote. Richard ended up losing by just one point.

Years later, people started questioning if Spanish dictator General Francisco Franco had fixed the result. A 2008 Spanish documentary revealed that Television Española executives travelled across Europe to offer contracts and money for votes. These claims haven't been proven yet, but they've sparked decades of debate.

Enduring popularity of the song

"Congratulations" became one of Richard's trademark songs even without Eurovision success. Artists have recorded more than 1,000 versions, making it one of Britain's most covered songs. The song's popularity exceeded its contest roots. People played it outside Buckingham Palace after Charles and Diana's wedding and at Southampton docks when British troops came back from the Falklands War.

Sir Cliff told The Guardian 40 years later that he'd "never gotten over" the controversial loss. He said he would be "quite happy to say I won Eurovision '68" if someone could prove the contest was rigged.

Sam Ryder – Space Man (2022)

Image Source: Official Charts

TikTok sensation Sam Ryder turned around the UK's disappointing Eurovision results with his stellar 2022 entry "Space Man." The Essex-born singer's rise from social media star to Eurovision runner-up changed Britain's Eurovision story forever.

Space Man's viral TikTok journey

Sam Ryder's extraordinary vocal range and charismatic personality helped him build an impressive online following during lockdown through his cover versions of popular songs. His talent caught Eurovision's attention after he gained 12.3 million TikTok followers and over 100 million likes on the platform. He remained the most-followed UK musician on TikTok until Ed Sheeran joined the platform.

"Space Man" existed before Eurovision came calling. The song caught Parlophone Records' attention and earned Ryder a recording contract. Grammy winner Amy Wadge (known for Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud") and songwriter Max Wolfgang collaborated with Ryder on the track.

Chart performance and jury votes

Ryder delivered a breakthrough performance at Turin's Eurovision final and finished second with 466 points. He won the jury vote with 283 points – the third-highest jury score in Eurovision history. His performance earned top-three points from all but one of the 40 participating juries.

"Space Man" reached number two on the UK Singles Chart after the contest. The song became the highest-charting UK Eurovision entry since Gina G's "Ooh Aah... Just a Little Bit" in 1996. The British Phonographic Industry later certified it Platinum.

Sam Ryder's Eurovision impact

Ryder's positive attitude and genuine enthusiasm helped change British perceptions about Eurovision. He said: "If I have any hope in anything, I think it doesn't involve any position on a scoreboard. To change attitudes – that is the prize".

The Grand Final drew the UK's largest Eurovision viewing audience since 2011. The show attracted 8.9 million viewers – a 20% increase from 2021. Ryder's success led to him performing "Space Man" at the Platinum Party at the Palace celebration for Queen Elizabeth II.

Sam Ryder's Eurovision experience showed that the UK could become a Eurovision powerhouse again with the right song, performer and approach.

Sandie Shaw – Puppet on a String (1967)

Image Source: Radio Free Europe

The United Kingdom won its first Eurovision trophy in 1967 thanks to a reluctant performer and a song she didn't like at first. "Puppet on a String" made Sandie Shaw a Eurovision legend and set a standard for future UK entries. She earned her place among legendary UK Eurovision winners.

First UK Eurovision win

Sandie Shaw scored a commanding victory at the 1967 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, ending Britain's ten-year wait for the trophy. Her microphone failed right as she started performing, but she kept her cool and continued without missing a beat. She earned 47 points, which was more than twice the score of Ireland and France, who tied at around 20 points. The presenter was so sure the UK would win that she announced Shaw's victory before counting the final jury votes.

Chart-topping success

"Puppet on a String" shot to number one on the UK Singles Chart on April 27, 1967, and stayed there for three straight weeks. The song's success was remarkable - it earned a gold disc after selling over a million copies across the UK and Europe. The single went on to sell more than four million copies worldwide. This made it the most successful Eurovision-winning song and possibly the highest-selling single by any British female artist.

Sandie Shaw's barefoot performance

Shaw's shoeless appearance stands out as one of the most memorable moments in Eurovision history. She became the first contestant to perform barefoot on the Eurovision stage, bringing a fresh and natural feel to the often formal atmosphere of Eurovision's early days. Her bold choice left such a mark that performers from many countries copied her style in later years.

Shaw became a style icon who captured the spirit of the 'swinging Sixties'. Her Eurovision success led her to launch her fashion brand in 1968, selling clothes, shoes and jewellery under the Sandie Shaw name.

Lulu – Boom Bang-a-Bang (1969)

Image Source: YouTube

Lulu, the Scottish singer, left her mark in Eurovision history with "Boom Bang-a-Bang," a catchy tune that created one of the contest's most controversial moments. She didn't want to do it at first, but later said, "I would have sung 'Baa, Baa, Black Sheep' standing on my head if that's what it took to win".

Eurovision win in a four-way tie

Lulu's victory stands out because she wasn't alone at the top. The 1969 contest in Madrid saw something that had never happened before - a four-way tie between the UK, Spain, the Netherlands, and France, each scoring exactly 18 points. This happened because each country's jury had ten members who gave one point to their favourite song. No one had thought to make rules for a tie, so they named all four countries as winners.

The organisers had a problem on their hands. They had only four medals meant for the winning singer and three songwriters, so they quickly gave them out among the four winning performers. In spite of that, this surprise outcome drew heavy criticism from the media, and several TV stations thought about pulling out of future contests.

Chart performance and legacy

"Boom Bang-a-Bang" turned into a huge commercial hit. The song reached number 2 in the UK and stayed in the top 10 for six weeks. Between March and June 1969, it held its spot in the UK top 100 for 13 weeks. On top of that, Lulu recorded the song in French, Italian, German and Spanish, which helped it become a hit across Europe.

Even though Lulu called it "a rotten song", "Boom Bang-a-Bang" stayed relevant through the decades. She performed it at Eurovision's 25th anniversary show in 1981, and the BBC Three sitcom "Him & Her" used it as their end theme in 2010.

Lulu's Eurovision and pop career

Viewers of Lulu's BBC1 variety show "Happening for Lulu" picked the winning song from six choices. The funny thing is, they passed over "I Can't Go On...", written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. Sue and Sunny backed her up during the performance, while Johnny Harris led the music.

Lulu proved herself as a versatile artist beyond Eurovision. She's still the only Eurovision winner who sang a Bond theme, performing "The Man with the Golden Gun" in 1974. She avoided performing "Boom Bang-a-Bang" for years, but the song found its way back to her setlist and became her second-biggest UK hit.

Mary Hopkin – Knock, Knock Who’s There? (1970)

Image Source: YouTube

Mary Hopkin brought her gentle folk-pop style to Eurovision in 1972. This Welsh songbird stepped onto the stage just two years after her stunning debut with "Those Were the Days." The Beatles' protégés' participation gave the UK Eurovision delegation a powerful boost.

Chart success and Eurovision placing

Mary didn't take home the trophy like other past UK Eurovision winners, but she left her mark. Her song "Knock, Knock Who's There?" landed second place at the Amsterdam contest with 26 points. Dana's "All Kinds of Everything" from Ireland took the win. The beautiful melody and Mary's pure vocals struck a chord with juries throughout Europe. This became one of the UK's most memorable runner-up performances in the UK Eurovision winners list.

The commercial success of "Knock, Knock Who's There?" spoke volumes. The song climbed to number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and stayed there for 14 weeks. This hit showed how Eurovision songs could surpass the contest and become genuine pop sensations.

Support from The Beatles

The Beatles' connection powered Mary's Eurovision experience. Paul McCartney personally championed her at their Apple Records label. He had produced her breakthrough hit "Those Were the Days" in 1968. Her status as one of Apple's first signed artists added extra weight to her Eurovision appearance.

Paul McCartney wasn't directly involved with her Eurovision entry. Yet, Apple Records released the song, which gave it rare industry support not seen with other UK Eurovision song contest winners. Without doubt, this backing helped push the song up the charts beyond typical contest entries.

Mary Hopkins' folk-pop appeal

Mary stood out from other famous Eurovision song performers with her authentic folk style. Her crystal-clear vocals and pure image created a stark contrast to Eurovision's usual theatrical acts. Her genuine approach struck a chord with audiences who wanted authenticity among the competition's polished numbers.

Mary had built her reputation as a folk-pop star with multiple hits before Eurovision. "Knock, Knock Who's There?" showcased her unique voice perfectly. This gentle, melodic song proved why she ranked among Britain's most naturally gifted vocalists of her time.

Michael Ball – One Step Out of Time (1992)

Image Source: EuroVisionary

Michael Ball, the celebrated theatre star, thought his career would end if he represented the UK at Eurovision. He even called it "career suicide". His doubts turned into success when his powerful performance of "One Step Out of Time" earned him second place at the 1992 contest.

Chart performance and Eurovision placing

Ball's exceptional Eurovision final performance brought him second place with 139 points, just behind Ireland's Linda Martin. He received more 12-point scores than the winner. Belgium, Austria, Denmark and Germany gave the UK their maximum points. "One Step Out of Time" reached number 20 on the UK singles chart and stayed there for seven weeks - a solid achievement among UK Eurovision winners' songs.

Michael Ball's career boost

Ball now admits that Eurovision raised his career by a lot: "It took me away from just being a musical theatre person". His first album topped the UK chart in May 1992. It featured "One Step Out of Time" and five other top songs from the British Eurovision selection. "Without Eurovision, my first album wouldn't have been so successful. I wouldn't have done my first solo tour - that was the start of all that side for me".

Why the song appealed to fans

"One Step Out of Time" was the pre-contest favourite. Fans loved its powerful melody and Ball's outstanding vocal range. Through collaboration with beloved broadcaster Terry Wogan, which Ball called "fantastic", he won British viewers' hearts.

Ball found the Eurovision process "brilliant", and his enthusiasm showed in his passionate performance. He jokes about watching his younger self as proof that "time is a cruel mistress". Still, he values how Eurovision helped spread his popularity across Europe.

Sonia – Better the Devil You Know (1993)

Image Source: EuroVisionary

Sonia Evans from Liverpool made her hometown proud at the 1993 Eurovision Song Contest in Millstreet, Ireland. She added another second-place finish to the UK's impressive record with her lively performance of "Better the Devil You Know." The established pop star took on Eurovision after her breakthrough 1989 number one hit "You'll Never Stop Me Loving You."

Eurovision runner-up finish

Sonia sang eight different songs at the UK's selection show. "Better the Devil You Know" won decisively with over 156,000 telephone votes - double the votes of the runner-up. Her rock 'n' roll number with its 1950s style captivated Eurovision audiences from the nineteenth spot in the running order.

The votes came in, and Sonia racked up 164 impressive points. Belgium, Iceland, Austria and Israel each gave her the maximum twelve points. She lost to Ireland's Niamh Kavanagh in a thrilling finish. True to her sporting spirit, Sonia shook the winner's hand, which won hearts across Europe.

Chart success and pop appeal

"Better the Devil You Know" climbed to number 15 on the UK Singles Chart and stayed there for seven weeks. The album sharing the same name reached number 32. This marked Sonia's last major chart success, but secured her place among celebrated UK Eurovision song contest winners and runners-up.

Her Eurovision appearance crowned an already stellar career. She became the first female UK artist to score five top 20 hit singles from one album. This achievement made her one of the most successful past UK Eurovision winners before entering the contest.

Sonia's Eurovision legacy

Sonia returned to the Eurovision stage during the 2023 Grand Final in her hometown of Liverpool. She delighted fans with a performance of "Better the Devil You Know" during the interval. The song remains one of the most famous Eurovision songs from the UK.

Sonia's Eurovision influence extends beyond the main stage. She appeared in a Eurovision-themed Hollyoaks episode and performed her iconic song at a local pub. Before the 2023 contest, she worked with the European Youth Music Refugee Choir at the National Lottery-funded Everyman Theatre. Her words, "I think music unites us all", show how UK Eurovision winners' songs continue to inspire new generations.

The New Seekers – Beg, Steal or Borrow (1972)

Image Source: EuroVisionary

The New Seekers came together in 1969 after Keith Potger's previous group, The Seekers, broke up. They became one of Britain's most successful pop acts faster than anyone expected. Their experience at Eurovision with "Beg, Steal or Borrow" helped lift their status among the UK Eurovision winners list, even though they finished second.

Chart-topping success

Viewers of BBC1's "It's Cliff Richard!" show picked "Beg, Steal or Borrow" and it became an instant hit. The single reached number 2 on the UK charts and managed to keep this position for three straight weeks. The song showed impressive resilience by staying on the UK Top 100 for 13 weeks.

The song's success spread across Europe with strong sales throughout the continent. It climbed to number 1 in Norway and secured high positions elsewhere - number 3 in Ireland and the Netherlands, plus number 5 in Germany and Switzerland.

Eurovision runner-up status

The New Seekers made their mark as the UK's first-ever group entry at the 1972 Eurovision Song Contest in Edinburgh. They performed fifth in the lineup, and the home crowd gave them the night's warmest welcome.

Bookmakers had the song as a 7/2 favourite, but they ended up second with 114 points. Luxembourg's Vicky Leandros won with 128 points. The contest drew an estimated 400 million viewers across Europe.

The New Seekers' 70s fame

The group's Eurovision appearance coincided with their peak success. Their album "We'd Like to Teach the World to Sing" reached number 2 on the UK Albums Chart. The group's biggest hit, "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing," became the most successful song that ever spread globally, selling 12 million copies and earning a Grammy nomination.

The five members—Eve Graham, Lyn Paul, Paul Layton, Marty Kristian and Peter Doyle—sold over 25 million records together. A 1973 American tour with Liza Minnelli proved their international appeal before they ended up announcing their split in February 1974.

Jessica Garlick – Come Back (2002)

Image Source: YouTube

Pop Idol finalist Jessica Garlick made history for the UK at the 2002 Eurovision contest with her powerful ballad "Come Back." The English-born Welsh singer finished ninth in the inaugural season of Pop Idol in 2001 before taking her talent to Europe's biggest musical stage.

Top 3 Eurovision finish

Jessica delivered one of the most impressive UK Eurovision song contest performances at the 2002 Eurovision Song Contest in Tallinn. Her emotional rendition of "Come Back" earned joint third place with 111 points, matching Estonia's representative Sahlene, who performed "Runaway". This outstanding result marked the UK's highest Eurovision placement since Imaani's "Where Are You?" in 1998.

Both entries received similar point totals, yet Estonia claimed third place in the contest's official rankings while "Come Back" placed fourth. The difference stemmed from Estonia receiving two maximum twelve-point votes (from Latvia and Sweden) compared to Garlick's single twelve-pointer from Austria.

Chart performance in the UK

"Come Back" launched at number 13 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming one of Britain's most successful Eurovision songs during that period. Despite its strong Eurovision showing, the track's commercial success proved short-lived as it fell out of the Top 30 within three weeks. The single maintained its chart presence for six weeks.

Jessica's brief pop spotlight

Jessica's Eurovision experience began when she won the UK national selection show "A Song for Europe" with 67,798 public votes. Her Eurovision success led to a music hiatus before she attempted a comeback in 2009 with her single "Hard Not to Fall".

Her third-place achievement stood as the highest by any UK Eurovision winner's entry in the 21st century until Sam Ryder claimed second place with "Space Man" in 2022. Jessica's performance cements her place among past UK Eurovision winners who have upheld Britain's strong contest legacy.

Scooch – Flying the Flag (For You) (2007)

Image Source: YouTube

"Every year I expect it to be less foolish, and every year it is more so." — Sir Terry Wogan, Legendary BBC broadcaster and iconic Eurovision commentator (37 years)

Pop group Scooch made their Eurovision comeback in 2007 with a unique cabin crew theme in their suggestive entry "Flying the Flag (For You)." Their performance didn't rank among the UK Eurovision winners, yet their airline-themed act earned them a special spot in Eurovision history.

Camp performance and chart success

The group's bright red and blue uniforms stood out as they delivered one of the campiest shows in UK Eurovision song contest winners' history. Their performance featured numerous double entendres like "Would you like something to suck on for landing, sir?", though family television often saw modified versions of this line. The theatrical staging with drinks trolleys and safety demonstrations perfectly captured the spirit of famous Eurovision songs.

"Flying the Flag" proved a commercial hit despite its Eurovision placement. The track landed at number 5 on the UK Top 40 Singles Chart by May 13, 2007. The song dominated the UK download chart with over 19,000 sales. Warner Bros Records signed Scooch on April 18, 2007, and the group recorded French, German, Spanish, Bulgarian and Danish versions to reach a wider European audience.

Public reaction and media buzz

The UK national selection "Making Your Mind Up" sparked controversy after presenter Terry Wogan announced a different winner than his co-host Fearne Cotton. Group member Russ Spencer later shared: "I'm not an overly confident person but I just knew we had won despite all the confusion".

British media didn't hold back their criticism after the Eurovision performance. The Sunday Mirror claimed Britain became "the laughing stock of Europe," while The Sunday Times described it as "not a disaster – more of a crash landing".

Scooch's Eurovision moment

The group finished 22nd out of 24 entries at the Helsinki final in 2007, scoring just 19 points. They shared the second-lowest score with France. The group's member Caroline stayed positive about potential "nul points," saying: "Not gonna happen. It's too much fun to get nul points and, if we do, we'll blame the politics!".

Scooch's Eurovision story came full circle during the 2023 contest in Liverpool. The group joined a conga line with Peppa Pig and several contestants as the voting window opened during the second semifinal.

Imaani – Where Are You? (1998)

Image Source: Eurovisionworld

Imaani's powerful house track "Where Are You?" nearly secured victory on home soil at the 1998 Eurovision Song Contest in Birmingham. The soulful vocalist came close to joining the prestigious UK Eurovision winners club during one of the contest's most thrilling finishes that ever spread.

Runner-up finish at the home Eurovision

Imaani felt both excited and nervous while performing on home turf. The voting climax turned into a three-way battle between Malta, Israel and the UK. Macedonia's final vote ended up deciding the outcome. She scored 166 points, just seven points behind Dana International's winning total of 172.

"I was shocked to come second and come that far," Imaani said later. She added it was "probably my proudest moment because I represented my country". Her performance impressed nearly all international juries during the first contest that included telephone voting. The UK's fifteenth time as runner-up set a Eurovision record.

Chart performance and fan love

"Where Are You?" showed remarkable staying power on the charts. The song entered the UK Singles Chart at number 96 on 21 March 1998 and peaked at number 15 on 23 May. It stayed in the top 100 for 15 non-consecutive weeks, with 4 weeks in the top 40.

The track soared even higher elsewhere in Europe, reaching number 12 in Belgium and number 8 on the Dutch Top 40. Notwithstanding that this remained Imaani's only solo UK chart entry, she later sang vocals for Tru Faith & Dub Conspiracy's cover of "Freak Like Me," which hit number 12 in 2000.

Imaani's place in UK Eurovision history

Imaani's achievement stands as the UK's best Eurovision result in 16 years until Sam Ryder's 2022 second place. Official Charts added "Where Are You?" to its "Pop Gem Hall of Fame" in 2014, praising her "powerhouse vocals". The Eurovision Song Contest's official website ranked her song sixth among the best UK Eurovision entries in 2017.

The singer almost turned down the chance completely, saying she was "nowhere near cool for Eurovision". She changed her mind: "It turned out being one of the most fun things I've ever done—fun and stressful".

Conclusion

British Eurovision entries have made an unforgettable impact on music history that goes way beyond contest results. "Save Your Kisses for Me" by Brotherhood of Man stands alone as the UK's only Eurovision song to sell over a million copies. Gina G's "Ooh Aah... Just a Little Bit" even broke into the American market, a rare feat for Eurovision songs.

UK Eurovision songs found success outside the competition stage. Many entries became part of British culture despite not winning. Songs like Cliff Richard's "Congratulations" and Bucks Fizz's "Making Your Mind Up" turned into classics that people still love today.

Sam Ryder changed everything in 2022 with his amazing second-place finish. His performance showed that real talent paired with genuine passion could break through years of poor results. British audiences have rediscovered their excitement for Eurovision, opening up new possibilities for future contestants.

The UK's Eurovision story shows British music's strength and adaptability. Five wins and sixteen second places prove consistent quality over the years. These songs struck a chord with audiences long after the competition ended. British entries will keep surprising European audiences as Eurovision continues to grow and change.