Eurovision: Meet the NI superfan who loves everything about the song contest

Love it, or loathe it, Eurovision tonight’s event in Liverpool will undoubtedly dish up some of the most cringe-tastic, bizarre acts Europe has to offer. But will they be any weirder than the baking Russian grannies of 2012? Or Ireland’s Dustin the Turkey in 2008, a creepy puppet, singing a twisted electro-rave version of Irish folk.

There’s too many cheesy songs and freakshow Eurovision moments to recount, but that doesn’t stop millions of people around the globe tuning into the showiest of shows.

The Eurovision was, for many, synonymous with the late, great, Terry Wogan. Introducing the 2007 contest from Finland he said: “Who knows what hellish future lies ahead? Actually, I do. I’ve seen the rehearsals.” And that would set the tone for an evening of Wogan: his risqué jokes, sharp one-liners, grudging praise and knack for saying what everyone at home was thinking.

During his tenure Wogan never tired of jokingly insinuating Eurovision was awash with voting cartels, about as close to a free exercise in democracy as a general election in North Korea.

*The Eurovision is on BBC 1 toight at 8pm

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