The UK's most successful Eurovision Song Contest entries

Glasgow Times

17-05-2025

This year's UK act, Remember Monday, is hoping to wow the crowds and the world with their song 'What the Hell Just Happened'.
Ahead of the Eurovision Grand Final in Basel on Saturday, May 17, we thought we would have a quick look into the past and remember the most successful UK entries.
From Lulu to Bucks Fizz, here are all the UK's most successful Eurovision Song Contest entries.
Most successful UK Eurovision entries
Mary Hopkin - 'Knock Knock Who's There', 1970
In 1970, Mary Hopkin took to the stage in the Netherlands with her upbeat number and impressive vocals.
The Welsh-born artist had a big following with even Sir Paul McCartney supporting them, the star didn't win but did claim the second spot after being beaten by Irish Singer Dana.
Bucks Fizz - 'Making Your Mind Up', 1981
The iconic, costume-changing and skirt-ripping Bucks Fizz won the competition back in 1981 with their catchy tune 'Making Your Mind Up'.
Now, 40 years later, the band (minus one member) still enjoys playing the hit song and has found major success with their 'fizzy' attitude.
Sam Ryder, 'Space Man', 2022
After years of defeat and many years of nil poi, the UK got a taste of success with Sam Ryder's viral hit Space Man.
The song came second, losing out to Ukraine but Ryder won over the hearts of the nation.
Lulu, 'Boom Bang-A-Bang' 1969
The Scottish singer performed in 1969 in Spain's capital, Madrid and won the contest with the hit song.
Wearing a now retro pink dress, the singer performed at Eurovision following her massive success with the iconic song 'Shout'.
Kathy Kirby: 'I Belong', 1965
Performed by blonde bombshell, the self-empowerment song gave her cult fame and even named her a 'gay icon'.
The song was the UK's first entry of the sixties, and with its bold and modern-day feel, it was a worthy second-place winner.
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Katrina and the Waves, 'Love Shine a Light', 1997
Known for their 80's hit 'Walking on Sunshine' Katrina and the Waves went with a simple yet strong anthem that got them the crown in Ireland.
The band beat out any competitors with their closest rival Ireland 70 points away from the British winners.