British hopefuls announced
The six acts in the running to represent the UK at Eurovision have been announced – including two former The Voice UK rivals.
The performers will now take to the stage for Eurovision: You Decide on Friday, where the shortlist of six will be narrowed down to one act who will be sent to Sweden in May.
Having gone head-to-head in 2015, The Voice UK rejects Joe Woolford and Jake Shakeshaft have teamed up to become Eurovision hopefuls Joe and Jake.
Woolford was chosen on the TV talent show to be part of will.i.am’s team but lost out during the battle rounds. The 21-year-old, from Ruthin in Wales, has since gone on to support The Vamps on their 2015 tour.
Shakeshaft, 20, from Stoke-on-Trent, was on Rita Ora’s team but was eliminated in the knockout rounds.
Bianca Claxton can list The X Factor’s Leona Lewis among the co-writers for her entry, titled Shine A Light. The 25-year-old from Nottingham was a member of girl group Parade, and has supported Shakira and The Black Eyed Peas on tour.
Country pop duo Darline – consisting of Abby Inez, 20, from Worcester, and Cara Beth Beard, 18, from Hertfordshire – will perform a song called Until Tomorrow.
The two have previously supported The...