WHO WILL REPRESENT THE UK?

When is Eurovision: You Decide on BBC2 tonight and who are the contestants? All you need to know

Becky Pemberton

Published: 17:28, 27 Jan 2017
Updated: 21:12, 27 Jan 2017

THE act representing the UK at the 2017 Eurovision song contest will tonight be chosen by the public during a special 90-minute show called Eurovision: You Decide on BBC Two.

All of the contenders in the running are fairly familiar faces, having appeared on ITV's X Factor over the years, but were eliminated before they could reach the final.

Tonight, one of them will get a second chance at stardom when they are chosen to shine on stage in Kiev, Ukraine in May.

The UK's Eurovision act will be chosen by the public during a special 90-minute show called Eurovision: You DecideCredit: PA:Press Association

When is Eurovision: You Decide on TV?

This year, the UK’s entry to the 2017 Eurovision contest will be picked during a national final, Eurovision: You Decide, which will air on the BBC Two on January 27 at 7.30pm.

The programme will be hosted by previous Great British Bake Off presenter Mel Giedroyc, with each of the six singers performing a different song.

Bake Off's Mel Giedroyc will host tonight's competitionCredit: BBC

Who are the contestants on Eurovision: You Decide?

All six contenders to be the UK’s Eurovision Song Contest entry are previous X Factor hopefuls.

The shortlist of singers hoping to represent the UK missed out on winning the ITV talent show and are now attempting to relaunch their music careers.

Eurovision: You Decide acts and their songs

Danyl Johnson - Light Up The World
Holly Brewer - I Wish I Loved You More
Lucie Jones - Never Give Up On You
Nate Simpson - What Are We Made Of
Olivia Garcia - Freedom Hearts
Salena Mastroianni - I Don’t Wanna Fight

These include Danyl Johnson and Lucie Jones, who both reached the lives shows of X Factor in 2009, and Nate Simpson and Olivia Garcia, who crashed out of last year’s series at the Judges’ Houses stage.

Relative unknowns Salena Mastroianni and Holly Brewer, who both auditioned for the show, will also battle it out at Eurovision: You Decide.

Hopefuls include Danyl Johnson who reached the lives shows in 2009

Olivia Garcia from Wigan only made it to Judges' HousesCredit: Syco / Thames / Dymond

Who are the judges on Eurovision: You Decide?

Strictly Come Dancing’s Bruno Tonioli, singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor and vocal coach CeCe Sammy will judge the singers at the event at the Hammersmith Apollo in London.

After the performance, the public will choose their favourite song, before voting to send their choice to the Eurovision competition in Kiev, Ukraine.

In 2016, the UK’s entry to the Eurovision Song Contest was Joe and Jake, who came 24th in the competitionCredit: Getty Images

When is the Eurovision Song Contest 2017?

The winner will go on to compete at the Eurovision Song Contest on May 13 in Kyiv, Ukraine.

All the action will be broadcast live on the BBC and, while the presenter is yet to be announced, we predict Graham Norton will make a return, possibly with new partner in crime Mel Giedroyc.

The reigning champion Jamala will be in attendance on the night to hand over the honour to this year’s winner performers.