Graham Norton declares his Eurovision 2024 winner – and it’s not the UK-Danni Scott-Entertainment – Metro

National treasure Graham Norton graces Eurovision every year with his cutting commentary for the UK coverage and he’s sneakily revealed his 2024 winner pick.

It’s A Sin star, Olly Alexander, is representing the UK in Sweden this year and although he’s not the bookies’ favourite, his track Dizzy has won over fans.

Croatia’s Baby Lasagna, Switzerland’s Nemo, and Angelina Mango from Italy are all speculated to see success this year but everything can change on the night.

While the UK may not be known for our winning streak, Graham’s commentary of the music competition is nothing short of iconic – and somewhat infamous.

Earlier this year, Metro.co.uk caught up with the TV legend and pressed him for his Eurovision predictions, including choosing a winner.

He gave a little expert insight into Olly’s prospects as he told us the Years and Years singer’s chances of winning are ‘really good’.

Graham Norton shared how he feels about Olly Alexander’s Eurovision prospects (Picture: BBC/Gary Moyes)

Olly’s song Dizzy is set to wow crowds in Malmo, Sweden (Picture: CHRISTINE OLSSON/TT/TT News Agency/AFP via Getty Images)

‘You never know, it’s all on the night,’ the legend continued, before letting slip a slightly (okay, very) biased endorsement of one country in particular.

Laughing, he added: ‘You know, Ireland will win again! They will! Hope springs eternal.’

Admittedly, the interview was during the premiere of Amazon Prime’s LOL: Last One Laughing Ireland… in Dublin.

Of course, the Irish star is rooting for his home country, especially while on home turf surrounded by his Irish comedy friends, including Aisling Bea and Jason Byrne.

The 60-year-old presenter has been the voice of Eurovision for the UK since 2009, taking over from the beloved Sir Terry Wogan and instantly becoming a highlight of the contest.

Graham shared: ‘The UK were so down in the dumps for years and then along came Sam [Ryder], so, it can happen.’

However, unlike the ‘big five’ – UK, Italy, Germany, France, and Spain – Irish entries must work their way to the final rather than getting an automatic slot.

However, Graham’s optimism seems to have paid off as Ireland’s entry Bambie Thug has managed to break this losing streak.

They qualified for Eurovision’s grand finale for the nation for the first time in six years after a show-stopping performance.

The 31-year-old singer will be taking to the stage in Malmo, Sweden, with their song Doomsday Blue but has proved a little controversial so far.

They revealed the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) told them to change the aspect of their costume due to its pro-Palestinian message, which goes against Eurovision’s no politics rule.

Bambie Thug is Ireland’s entry for Eurovision 2024 (Picture: EBU/Lily Lytton/PA Wire)

They’ve been causing a stir with political statements (Picture AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Bambie previously spoke to Metro.co.uk about Israel’s inclusion in the competition, stating they don’t agree with the EBU’s decision.

‘I’m getting a lot of targeted abuse that I don’t think it’s entirely fair, actually, when I’m not the one that’s making the decisions, but I am extremely pro-Palestine and it is disappointing that the EBU has made this decision because I don’t think it’s correct.’

The non-binary Eurovision star has said they struggled with the backlash and horrific transphobic hate. ‘It’s a lot to take, from the transphobic abuse online and also just coming for my character in terms of this boycott thing,’ they shared.

Additionally, in a shared statement, the UK’s entry Olly Alexander, and Bambie joined entrants from Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Switzerland, Denmark, Lithuania and Finland to say they do ‘not feel comfortable being silent’ and ‘stand united against all forms of hate, including antisemitism and Islamophobia.’

This is the first time since 2018 that Ireland have qualified for the final(Picture: BACKGRID)

Bambie Thug will go toe to toe with Olly at the Eurovision finale tonight (Picture: AP)

It continued: ‘We firmly believe in the unifying power of music, enabling people to transcend differences and foster meaningful conversations and connections.

‘We feel it is our duty to create and uphold this space, with a strong hope that it will inspire greater compassion and empathy.’

When they qualify, the island is usually pretty successful with its position in the song contest and is tied with Sweden for the most number of wins, including first winner Dana with All Kinds Of Everything in 1970.

With almost 15 years on the show, Graham is all too familiar with how predictions can be blown out of the water on the big night for the most chaotic of reasons.

‘It’s just about the night, the performance, the staging, where you are in the running order, what other songs are in the show,’ he said before adding with a grin: ‘So, you know – come on, Ireland!’

Eurovision’s grand finale airs tonight on BBC One at 8pm.

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