We asked Lorraine Kelly, presenter of Liquid Eurovision, about how she likes to enjoy Eurovision and what have been her highlights over the years.
What makes the Eurovision Song Contest so special?
Eurovision is what you make of it. You can sit there and watch it passively or you can get right into the spirit of it - dress up and make appropriate food. It can be a big party and celebration - at the same time you can have a laugh at some really sad songs and singers and hoot with derision when Cyprus and Greece give each other 12 points each and all the Baltic states vote for one another.
When did you first get hooked? What is your earliest Eurovision memory? I first got hooked when I was a little girl and my mum would sit with the middle pages of the Daily Record and we'd mark down votes for the song, the singer and the presentation. We'd pick our winners and really get excited if they won. My earliest memory is watching a black and white grainy Sandie Shaw winning with Puppet On A String. (the picture was grainy not Miss Shaw).
You presented the first Liquid Eurovision series last year - what entries stood out from the 2002 line up?
Last year - the standouts were Spain and the ‘Trannies.’
Are there any countries whose entry you particularly look forward to each year?
I look forward to the French song in the way that I look forward to my smear test. Embarrassing, painful but afterwards you feel nothing but relief.
Have you ever been to see the Eurovision Song Contest live? Are you gutted not to be going to Latvia yourself?
I have NEVER been to a live concert - I would love to go but being in the studio and watching will be the next best thing.
Lulu, Bucks Fizz, Sandie Shaw, Brotherhood of Man or Katrina and the Waves - who is your favourite past UK winner?
Oh hard question - I think it would have to be Lulu's year when more people won the contest than actually took part (or so it seemed).
Have you ever had any wacky Eurovision parties or dressed up for the occasion?
Absolutely!! We had a party where you had to pick out your country the week before and then wear the national dress and bring appropriate food and drink. Luckily I drew Ireland. I am ashamed to say that I dressed as a leprechaun and brought soda bread and Guinness.
If you had to pick one, what is your most memorable Eurovision moment?
My most memorable moment is when Dana International won. It was hilarious because the whole thing degenerated into chaos because she was off getting changed and was late coming on. Totally mad, camp and bonkers.
LORRAINE KELLY INTERVIEW
Euro-fun
