Which UK Eurovision Entries Performed The Best?

Eurovision is a hugely popular event in the UK, one which gets the whole country talking and rooting for our entry each year. In recent years we have been more likely to hear the score announcer call “nul points” when calling UK scores. The UK however does have an impressive record in the contest. Online Casino Betway recently looked at back at the history of Eurovision and there are some really impressive stats. For example, despite the UK generally getting bad press from Eurovision, which isn’t news for the most avid Eurovision fans, did you know that they have actually won the song contest an impressive five times?

Sam Ryder – Space Man – 2nd Place

Considering the UK failed to get off the starting blocks in the 2021 competition, it came as a surprise to many just how well their 2022 entry Sam Ryder did. Of course, the fact that Sam had an impressive Tik Tok following before the competition helped his chances of winning but he still won over audiences to score over 600 points and come second in the competition behind Ukraine.

Sandie Shaw - Puppet On A String – 1st Place

The first time the UK won Eurovision was in 1967 when Vienna Sandy Shaw sang the UK’s way to victory with her song, Puppet On A String. It was a decisive win with a total score of 47 points. At that time a score only exceeded by Italy’s 1964 entry, Non ho l'età. 

Lulu - Boom Bang-a-Bang – 1st Place

In 1969 the UK had success again with the Scottish singer Lulu’s rendition of Alan Moorhouse and Peter Warnes song, Boom Bang-A-Bang. It was the joint winner along with entries from Spain, the Netherlands, and France. The song placed at number 2 of the UK’s singles chart and was well-received throughout Europe.

Brotherhood of Man – Save Your Kisses for Me – 1st Place

The UK’s next unbridled success in 1976 was brought by the Brotherhood Of Man with their rendition of Save Your Kisses For Me written by Lee Sheridan, Tony Hiller, and Martin Lee. The UK’s points total was 164, the highest score achieved in the competitions history up to that time. The song went straight to number 1 on the singles chart and was the single most popular song released that year. It remains one of the most well-remembered Eurovision winners of all time.   

Bucks Fizz – Making Your Mind Up – 1st Place

Whether you’re a Eurovision fan or not, the chances are you have heard the Bucks Fizz 1981 Eurovision entry, Making Your Mind Up. Not only is the song incredibly catchy, but their performance at the time hit the headlines when the females in the group had their skirts removed during the song to reveal much raunchier costumes underneath. This was a brave more for 1981 and could very well have contributed to their success that year!

The UK last won Eurovision with Katrina and the Waves in 1997; so they’ll be hoping to improve on Sam Ryders success with their entry in 2023!