As normal the eternal Terry Wogan will be in charge for the UK, broadcasting proceedings live on BBC into your homes on Saturday 12th May. Scooch are the latest act to carry the can for the UK, with their aptly named song ‘Flying the Flag’.
Since 1956, when the contest only attracted a mere seven entries, the event now has over 40 acts performing. The format sees the event whittle the entries down to 28, who will perform in the semi-final, with the top 10 going through to the final.
However, one thing to note is that due to being major financial contributors France, Germany, Spain and the UK they are all granted automatic entry into the final, bypassing the semi stage, while last year’s winners always get the chance to defend their title, plus the nine highest scoring countries from last year also return the following year.
The scoring system is then made up of each country giving points to their favourite acts, allocating 12 to the best, then 10 for second, 8 for third, and so on till the tenth placed get 1 point.
In recent times the betting interest in the event has grown year on year and with over 100 million viewers tuning in having a betting interest makes the show much more fun.
Last year’s winners Lordi from Finland traded as big as 200/1 before the semi-final stage, so there is plenty of value to be had, while in the last seven years the UK have managed a best finish of third, and last tasted victory back in 1997 when Katrina and the Waves belted out Love Shine A Light. It was the Irish who made the headlines in the 90’s scooping it four times, including three on the spin in 1992, 1993 and 1994.
Past Winners
2000
Winners: Denmark
UK Placing: 16th Nicki French
2001
Winners: Estonia
UK Placing: 15th Lindsay Dracass
2002
Winners: Latvia
UK Placing: 3rd Jessica Garlick's
2003
Winners: Turkey
UK Placing: 26th (last!) Jemini
2004
Winners: Ukraine
UK Placing: 16th James Fox
2005
Winners: Greece
UK Placing: 21st Javine’s
2006
Winners: Finland
UK Placing: 19th Daz
• All prices correct at time of writing.
ABOUT EASYODDS.COM
Easyodds.com is a comprehensive sport betting service that helps you find the BEST ODDS on offer from leading bookmakers, betting exchanges and spread betting firms and then helps you place your bet at the BestPrice.
FREE to register!
www.easyodds.com
Andrew Newton
Managing Editor
020 7691 0660
