Song For Europe, A – Nostalgia Central

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The UK made their Eurovision Song Contest debut in 1957, but it wasn’t until 15 February 1961 that this televised national pre-selection competition (presented by Katie Boyle) was held to choose the song that would represent the UK. The contest became an annual fixture and was considered so significant that it made the Radio Times cover in 1962.

The BBC began promoting the competition through its existing shows in 1967, when Sandie Shaw showcased her songs on The Rolf Harris Show. The winning song – Puppet on a String – gave the UK its first Eurovision winner.

In 1968, pre-ordained act Cliff Richard guested on Cilla Black’s popular programme, with the song Congratulations eventually chosen to represent the UK (it came 2nd).

The following year, Lulu used her own show as a platform to pick a suitable Eurovision entry. The final was held on 22 February 1969 and presented by Michael Aspel. The winning song was Boom Bang-a-Bang, which tied for first place at Eurovision with Spain, Holland and France.

From 1970 to 1972, Cliff’s show (It’s Cliff Richard) was the vehicle for Mary Hopkin (Knock Knock, Who’s There?), Clodagh Rodgers (Jack in the Box) and The New Seekers (Beg, Steal or Borrow).

In 1973, Cliff had another crack at Eurovision glory, and Cilla Black did the honours again with a special edition of her popular programme, Cilla, which saw the song Power to All Our Friends chosen to represent the UK (it came 4th).

The era of one star, several songs finally came to an end in 1976, when the BBC reverted to several acts vying for the big prize.

Twelve songs were performed by artists chosen by the songwriters themselves, and regional juries across the country chose the winner during a televised show from the Royal Albert Hall.

This system produced immediate success by choosing the song which won Eurovision that year, Save Your Kisses for Me by Brotherhood of Man.

In 1977, Terry Wogan – always remembered for his Eurovision commentaries – started a long association with the BBC’s bid to find a UK entrant, which continued through the 1980s at the BBC’s own Television Theatre and Television Centre in west London.

Sir Terry became a big star on BBC television during these years, and A Song For Europe became linked with his show.

The final was regularly held during his usual Friday evening slot, while hopefuls performed as part of his thrice-weekly chat show.

In the early 1990s, the BBC again tried its hand at selecting its own singer and letting the public pick from a choice of songs. Performers, including Michael Ball and Sonia, used the Wogan show as their platform.

By the mid-1990s, the Wogan show was no longer a TV fixture, and the selection contest was given a modern revamp with producer Jonathan King at the helm.

It was rebranded as The Great British Song Contest with a home in the Top of the Pops stable.

This new show ran until 2000, when A Song For Europe returned with Katy Hill hosting.

A Song For Europe was killed off as a brand for good after the selection show sent Jemini to Latvia in 2003, who infamously scored ‘nul points’. For the next four years, it became Eurovision: Making Your Mind Up.

In 2008, the show’s name was changed to Eurovision: Your Decision. The name changed again the following year to Eurovision: Your Country Needs You, hosted by Graham Norton.

Hosts
Katie Boyle (1961)
David Jacobs (1962 – 1966)
Rolf Harris (1967)
Cilla Black (1968)
Lulu/Michael Aspel (1969)
Cliff Richard (1970 – 1972)
Cilla Black (1973)
Jimmy Savile (1974)
Lulu (1975)
Michael Aspel (1976)
Terry Wogan (1977 – 1995)
Katy Hill (2000 – 2001)
Claire Sweeney/Christopher Price (2002)
Terry Wogan (2003)

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