2010 EuroHistory - friend or foe?

Eurovision voting history

For its size, Ireland is undoubtedly Eurovision's over-achiever with a staggering seven wins. Next up, five wins from the United Kingdom, France and (deep breath) Luxembourg. The Grand Duchy's wins all came from foreign acts and in spite of being one of the first countries to participate in the competition they called it a day in 1993. A shame really as no other country has been so kind in its voting to the UK.

Forget its five wins, the UK's most staggering achievement in Eurovision seems to be its incredible ability to nearly win. We are (almost) always the competition bridesmaid with a staggering 15 runner-up spots. Our greatest friend? Austria, giving us most points, shame they're not competing anymore. Greatest beneficiary of our love? Ireland.

Another of the big four, France, has a glorious Eurovision history with its five wins. Although the introduction of televoting in 1998 seems to have stopped them in their tracks and constantly kept them in the bottom ten although never having the shame of finishing at the bottom.

The pluckiest contender prize goes to Portugal. Having entered 43 times since 1964, it has completely failed to win, ever, ever. They have never finished in the top five but have come last three times. Shame, one day their time will come, maybe.

Switzerland has received the most points from the UK in its history. The cheeky entry of Canadian chanteuse Celine Dion paid dividends with their only win since 1956. Best voting friend? The UK.