Eurovision 2020 UK entry: when the BBC reveals the singer, how they're selected and who's representing other countries

Here’s all you need to know about it:

Unlike previous years, in which the UK’s entrant in the contest has been decided through a public vote, in 2020, they’ve simply been picked by industry insiders.

It said at the time that BMG shared its “vision of selecting a song with broad international appeal and securing an artist who embodies the spirit and values” of the contest.

Britain’s record in the competition in recent years has led organisers to change the system. The public essentially cannot be trusted.

It means there will be no more episodes of Eurovision: You Decide to determine the act, which has run since 2016.

This year’s entrant will be unveiled on Thursday morning on Greg James’s BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show and Ken Bruce’s Radio 2 morning slot.

Other countries have to take part in a semi-final to reach Eurovision’s final stages; the UK’s act gets a ticket straight to the final because of the funding it provides for the contest.

Seventeen countries will participate in the first semi-final, with the results voted on by the participating countries plus Germany, Italy and the Netherlands.

Eighteen countries will participate in the second semi-final, with the results voted on by the participating countries plus France, Spain and the UK.

Rotterdam’s Ahoy arena will host the semi-finals on 12 and 14 May.

The final of this year’s competition – held in the same arena – will take place on Saturday 19 May and will be broadcast live on BBC One.