Eurovision star Sam Ryder receives hero’s welcome as he arrives back in the UK waving Union Jack
SAM Ryder received a hero's welcome as he arrived back in the UK waving a Union Jack after his Eurovision success.
The 31-year-old ended decades of humiliation for us by coming runner-up to Ukraine - although at one point it looked like he'd go all the way.
Despite narrowly missing out on the victory, Sam was mobbed as he touched down at Heathrow where he happily chatted to fans and posed for snaps.
Eurovision fans previously heaped praise on Tik Tok star Sam for "achieving the impossible" by finishing as a runner-up to Ukraine.
Viewers hoped he'd go all the way after an exciting night saw the UK fly up the table.
But a huge public vote for Ukraine ended Sam and the rest of his country's dreams of taking home the crown.
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Sam's song Space Man proved a huge hit with viewers around Europe.
He finished in second place after going up against Ukraine and Sweden in the final three.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson sent his congratulations to the singer-songwriter. He said: "Congratulations to Ukraine for winning the @Eurovision Song Contest 2022.
"It is a clear reflection of not just your talent, but of the unwavering support for your fight for freedom. Incredibly proud of @SamRyderMusic and how he brilliantly represented the UK tonight."
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The UK was awarded top points from countries including Ukraine, France, Germany, Belgium, Austria and Czech Republic.
Sam began working in the music industry as a singer and guitarist in 2009.
He worked as a session player for the groups The Morning After, Blessed By A Broken Heart and Close Your Eyes.
After a huge rise to fame on TikTok he has since enjoyed an incredible career in music.
