Who is Danyl Johnson? Eurovision UK hopeful and former X Factor star – all you need to know
HE MADE an impression on X Factor in 2009 and now he’s announced his latest music venture – competing to represent the UK at the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest.
That's right – the competition has rolled around again and Britain is set to send off a new entry in the hope of taking the top spot.
This year, the UK’s entry to the 2017 Eurovision contest will be picked in a national final, Eurovision: You Decide, which will air on the BBC Two on January 27.
Danyl Johnson came fourth when he shared a stage with Olly Murs, Stacey Solomon and Joe McElderry, and now he's back in a bid to prove he should be number one this time round.
Here's all you need to know about him:
Who is Eurovision UK hopeful Danyl Johnson?
Danyl Johnson was born on June 17, 1982 near Reading and works as a drama and dance teacher.
He has taught at three stage schools, including the renowned Starmaker and School of the Arts (SOTA) in Windsor.
He also now works for the People's Postcode Lottery as an Ambassador.
He is most well-known for his stint on the sixth series of the X Factor, where he came fourth.
During a secret X Factor gig at the O2 Arena, he revealed he had survived testicular cancer as a boy, which had made him passionate about spreading awareness about men getting regular checks.
How far did Danyl Johnson get in X Factor?
The teacher struck a chord with Simon Cowell and the rest of the judging panel when he wowed them with his incredible vocals in 2009.
Simon Cowell even said at the time: “That was the best first audition I have ever heard."
The singer went from strength to strength and stayed in the competition until the semi-finals in week nine, resulting in him finishing in fourth place.
The final places were awarded to eventual winner, Joe McElderry, and Olly Murs and Stacey Solomon.
One of the controversies of the star occurred when judge Dannii Minogue made a reference to suggest he was gay or bisexual during the show, leading to floods of viewer complaints.
What is Danyl Johnson singing in Eurovision: You Decide?
He will sing original song Light Up The World at the competition.
Currently the odds of him being selected as the champion of Eurovision: You Decide are at 10/3, which puts him behind Lucie Jones.
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, with the public voting to decide the winner.
When is Eurovision: You Decide on TV?
This year, the UK’s entry to the 2017 Eurovision contest will be picked in a national final, Eurovision: You Decide, which will air on the BBC Two on January 27.
Danyl will compete against other hopefuls Lucie Jones, Olivia Garcia, Holly Brewer, Salena Mastroianni and Nate Simpson - all of whom starred appeared X Factor too.
The preliminary dates for the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest have been released and it is expected to take place on Saturday May 13.
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