Musician and BAFTA nominated actor Olly Alexander will represent the U.K. at the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden.
Alexander revealed the news on Saturday during the finale of BBC’s “Strictly Come Dancing.” As a musician, Alexander fronted English band Years & Years, which in recent years has evolved into a solo project. Across three albums to date, Alexander has scored two No. 1 U.K. albums, 10 U.K. Top 40 singles and was recently awarded the BRIT Billion Award with 6.5 billion streams globally. He has collaborated with Elton John, Kylie Minogue and Pet Shop Boys among others.
As an actor, Alexander is best known for Russell T Davies show “It’s A Sin,” which won best new drama at the the U.K.’s National Television Awards, with him also scoring a leading actor nomination at the 2022 BAFTA Television Awards.
Alexander’s U.K. Eurovision song, co-written with Danny L. Harle, will be revealed imminently.
Alexander said: “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 U.K. in the gayest way possible, it shall be an honor. 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.”
Sweden’s Loreen won the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, with U.K. contender Mae Muller placing near the bottom. Next year’s contest will be held at Malmö, Sweden in May 2024.
The Eurovision 2024 semi finals and final will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on May 7, 9 and 11, 2024.