Euro-what?

When it comes to guilty pleasures, you cannot whack Eurovision for splitting the country in the same way marmite does. For the longest while I'd been kinda take it or leave it, but the past couple of years, with proper parties have been such fun. And apart from the love for Graham Norton and a stack of prosecco, the watching of the iconic movie has now become an annual family ritual.
Play Ja-ja Ding-dong!

This year saw us rooting for a number of different acts, including (but not limited to) Cyprus, Spain, Sweden, Czechia, Norway and Lithuania. Others worthy of note were Serbia, Albania, Australia, Belgium and Germany. Unfortunately, the UK entry, although it sounded really powerful on the radio, didn't live up to its potential.
We were happy when the Swedish entry beat Finland's energetic effort - despite nails which looked like they belonged on a fantasy/horror Netflix show, Loreen deserved her second win.

Earlier, we listened to Steve Wright's run down of the top 40 UK. In addition to bringinging back some fun memories, it threw up some amazing facts. Like although we were joint 3rd with 5 wins, the UK have lodged the highest number of 2nd places (16). Here's the top 20:

1. Sam Ryder – Space Man (2022) – 2nd
2. Bucks Fizz – Making Your Mind Up (1981) - Winner
3. Gina G – Ooh Aah… Just a Little Bit (1996)
4. Katrina and the Waves – Love Shine a Light (1997) - Winner
5. Brotherhood of Man – Save Your Kisses for Me (1976) - Winner
6. Sandie Shaw – Puppet on a String (1967) - Winner
7. Cliff Richard – Congratulations (1968) – 2nd
8. The New Seekers – Beg, Steal or Borrow (1972) – 2nd
9. Lulu – Boom Bang-a-Bang (1969) - Joint Winner
10. Michael Ball – One Step Out of Time (1992) – 2nd
11. Sonia – Better the Devil You Know (1993) – 2nd
12. Bardo – One Step Further (1982)
13. Scooch – Flying the Flag (For You) (2007)
14. Mary Hopkin – Knock, Knock Who’s There? (1970) – 2nd
15. Imaani – Where Are You? (1998) – 2nd
16. Olivia Newton-John – Long Live Love (1974) – 4th
17. Daz Sampson – Teenage Life (2006)
18. Cliff Richard – Power to All Our Friends (1973)
19. Lucie Jones – Never Give Up on You (2017)
20. Lynsey de Paul & Mike Moran – Rock Bottom (1977) – 2nd

It turns out that Ireland are the the most successful country, first with Dana in 1970, two wins from Johnny Logan in the 80s and an unprecedented 3 years in a row from 92-94 and then again in 96.