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EUROVISION IN THE 80S

FIND OUT ABOUT OTHER DECADES OF EUROVISION
  |  2000s  |  1990s  |  1980s  |  1970s  |  1960s  |  1950s  |  

1980
A new decade, but 'What's Another Year?' says Johnny Logan, giving Ireland victory in The Hague. Wogan claims TV commentary, and hasn't relinquished it yet. Does anyone remember UK entrants Prima Donna, who actually came a creditable third?

1981
Bucks Fizz take Eurovision in Dublin, four points ahead of the German entry. The skirt-rippingly great 'Making Your Mind Up' also tops the charts for three weeks. Norway completes the nul points hat-trick.

1982
Jan Leeming is hostess from sunny Harrogate, as Germany go one better than the previous year with Nicole's 'A Little Peace'. The song - shrewdly recorded in six languages - tops charts all over Europe. Bardo finish seventh for the UK.

1983
Luxembourg's decision to enter 'a trained singer', Corinne Hermes, pays off as they win in Munich ahead of Israel's Ofra Haza. These are not great times for Eurovision.

1984
Controversy in Luxembourg as UK entrant Belle & The Devotions are met with a chorus of boos at the end of their set - either as a result of their miming, or as a reaction against currently fashionable British soccer hooliganism. They finish seventh. Sweden's Herreys pip Ireland for top spot with 'Diggi-Loo Diggi-Ley' - our Terry's least favourite Euro anthem.

1985
Vikki's 'Love Is' achieves an unmemorable fourth for the UK. Norway actually win the Contest with Bobbysocks and 'Let It Swing'. The triumph is overshadowed when presenter Lill Lindfors 'loses' her skirt in the second half of the show.

1986
Eurovision goes teen in Norway as 13 year old Sandra Kim storms to victory for Belgium with 'J'Aime La Vie'. UK entrants Ryder feature the son of actor Bill Maynard. They came seventh. Presenter is the Norwegian Minister Of Culture, who'd actually come third in 1966.

1987
Ireland's Johnny Logan becomes the first artiste to win Eurovision twice. It's unlucky 13th for UK's Rikki, though. Presenter Viktor Lazio's loud selection of earings steals the show, even though Plastic ('Ca Plane Pour Moi') Bertrand turns out for Luxembourg.

1988
French-Canadian Celine Dion (yes, THAT Celine Dion) triumphs for Switzerland. But she's only one point ahead of the UK's Scott Fitzgerald (no, not THAT Scott Fitzgerald). Ken Bruce takes on the BBC radio role.

1989
Another second placing for the UK with Live Report, this time to Yugoslavia's Riva.

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