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Ex-EastEnder Michelle Gayle in running for Eurovision place

19/02/2008

Former EastEnders actress Michelle Gayle has been confirmed as one of six acts fighting to represent the UK at this year's Eurovision Song Contest.

Actress and singer Gayle will be up against a number of former reality show contestants in the race to fly the flag for at the kitsch singing competition.

X Factor star Andy Abraham, who came second to Shayne Ward in 2005 series of the ITV1 show, is vying for the honour while two contestants from the BBC's Any Dream Will Do and How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? are also involved.

Rob McVeigh and Simona Armstrong join girl group LoveShy - featuring Aimee Kearsley and Emma Beard, formerly of Popstars: The Rivals band Clea - and Motown-esque act the Revelations in bidding to win the coveted honour.

The UK representative will be chosen in the Eurovision: Your Decision show on March 1st, with the winner going on to represent the UK in the 53rd annual Eurovision Song Contest on May 24th, held in Belgrade this year.

Claudia Winkleman and Sir Terry Wogan will host the show, which sees the UK taking the competition more seriously than seven-time winners Ireland, one of whose potential entrants is a children's puppet named Dustin the Turkey.

Sir Terry commented: "A turkey is one of the contenders for this year's Irish entry. For the past few years, we've been picking a turkey for the UK.

"Let's hope that the British public will make the right decision this year and give the UK's entry a fighting chance against the Eastern Bloc in Belgrade in May."