Graham Norton thinks 'bona fide pop star' Olly Alexander can win Eurovision for the UK - after last year's entry Mae Muller finished second from last

Graham Norton believes that Olly Alexander has a good chance of winning this year's Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo Sweden on Saturday. 

The TV host, 61, who commentates the competition, praised both the 'bona fide pop star' and his catchy entry Dizzy.

Olly, 33, hopes to turn the UK's fortunes around after Mae Muller, 26, finished in second to last place in 2023. 

Speaking ahead of Tuesday's first semi Final Graham said: 'Having a bona fide pop star representing the UK this year is a great start. Olly has already done all the things that it’s impossible to prepare someone for'. 

'He has played to huge crowds, he can relate to the cameras, and he is used to high pressure situations. Add to that, the fact that the song is a massive bop and I think we could do really well this year'.

Speaking about his other favourite entires in this year's competition he said: 'In a year when lots of countries are trying to recreate the mayhem of Finland’s entry from last year (Cha Cha Cha,) I think a big ballad like Mon Amour from France might do very well,' 

'But I have to say I also have a soft spot for Nemo representing Switzerland, and look out for Belgium too!'.

Meanwhile Olllyshared insight into his performance which will see him joined on stage by hunky shirtless dancers. 

Saying: 'I think what's important at Eurovision is to stand out, and so I am aiming for my performance to be truly unforgettable, to surprise the audience and to intrigue them.'

'I want to leave them with something that they will never forget and of course, I hope to bring an element of dizziness to the performance and capture the feelings of the song'.

It comes after last year's entry Mae Muller threw shade at her former record label and management company, after parting ways with both corporations.

The singer, 26, opened up on her decision to go independent, saying she had 'lost my identity and passion for music'.

She also admitted that she had been hesitant about doing Eurovision last year, but that her label and management had suggested she 'couldn't afford to say no'.

Saying: 'Did Eurovision. Did wonders for my profile but as an artist and a songwriter who just wanted to perform and write and just be authentic, it kind of did the opposite. 

'And I just found myself in the space of like, "Am I just going to be this person that just hops on a dance feature now and then and gets a quick cheque and can perform at Jingle Bell Ball every other year? Or do I need to go back to basics and just start afresh."

'And that thought was really scary because I've been with a major label for like five years and I've been with my management company for like five years. 

'So the idea of leaving all that was really scary but I had to be really honest with myself and go, "Do you know what? This is not benefitting you anymore and even though the people around you thought they were doing what is right for you, they actually aren't doing what's right for you".'

Mae explained:  'So I made the scary decision of leaving. So I am now independent. I'm going to start getting in the studio and get back to being me. Get back to being Mae Muller.

'Who knows what it's going to bring but it's going to bring authenticity and I know that I'm never going to have to do something I don't want to do ever again. 

'It's scary but I'm excited and I just ask that you're patient with me. Finding my vibe again and falling back into love with my passion for music and we'll see what happens!'

Mae released her debut album, Sorry It's Late, in September last year, which received mostly positive reviews and peaked at 33 on the UK charts.

She assured her fans that she was 'not going anywhere', but was just working 'behind the scenes to get back in touch with myself.'