Eurovision entry announced

The act representing the UK this year is revealed...

10:10 02 March 2012

British crooner Engelbert Humperdinck is to represent the UK at this year's Eurovision song contest, it has been confirmed.

The Please Release Me singer will fly the flag for Britain this May at the 57th Eurovision Song Contest, which will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Sixty-five-year-old Humperdinck said it was an "absolute honour" to be taking part, adding:

"When the BBC approached me, it just felt right for me to be a part of an institution like Eurovision. IÂ’m excited and raring to go and want the nation to get behind me!"

The song which Engelbert will perform has yet to be announced, however, the BBC have confirmed that it will be written by Grammy winner Martin Terefe and the man behind Adele, Lana Del Rey and co-writer of James Blunt's YouÂ’re Beautiful, Sacha Skarbek.

Humperdinck - whose real name is Arnold Dorsey - has sold more than 150million records worldwide during his 45 year career.

He is the olded ever Eurovision contestant and if he wins, he will be Britain's first winning entry since Katrina and the Waves, 15 years ago.

BBC head of entertainment and events, Katie Taylor, said:

"Not since the 70s have we had such an established international musical legend represent the nation. We couldn't be more delighted.

"Engelbert's experience leaves us in no doubt that he will be able to deliver a standout performance in front of 120 million viewers worldwide."