Eurovision 2024 LIVE: Latest updates from Malmo as Israel’s Eden Golan receives mixed reaction from crowd amid chaotic build up hit by pro Palestine protests

In case you’re not au fait with how points are allocated in Eurovision, let’s recap how the system works.

• After all 25 songs have been performed from each country participating in the final, every nation in the competition including one ‘Rest of the World’ country, will give two sets of points ranging from 1 to 12 to their chosen song.
• The first set is given by a jury of five industry professionals from that country and the second is provided by viewers watching at home. Votes for your own country are not prohibited.
• In previous years, the public couldn’t vote until all the artists had performed but now voting will open before the first act enters the stage.
• The voting window will shut around after the final song before countries then reveal their points live on air. Viewers’ points are then added up, and read out from the lowest to the highest
• Viewers can submit their vote by telephone, SMS message and through the official Eurovision app.

Many performers departed the stage with their own message amid heightened tensions surrounding this year’s contest.

Silvester Belt, Lithuania’s Eurovision Song Contest entry, ended his performance by saying “spread love to the world” to the audience.

The singer, who was seventh in the running order, after Eden Golan, Israel’s entry, sang a song called Luktelk at the competition in Malmo, Sweden on Saturday night.

Irish singer Bambie Thug said “love will always triumph hate” at the end of their performance at the Eurovision Song Contest’s grand final.

France’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest ended his performance at the grand final by saying “united by music for love and peace”.

While Portugal’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest, Iolanda, said “peace will prevail” following the performance of her track Grito at the competition’s grand final.

This is the moment that boos rang out for Israel’s Eden Golan following her performance in the Eurovision final – the reaction wasn’t picked up on television.

A breathless couple of hours there with 25 songs in quick succession, some fun and funky, some sad and since and a couple bizarre and bonkers.

But enough of the alliteration.

We will bring you some reaction to the performances while we wait for the votes to be revealed.

Dressed in a white puffer coat Kaleen teased audiences with her sultry vocals before whipping off her jacket to reveal a metalic armour-like leotard and thigh high boots.

She performed an EDM dance tune which wouldn’t be out of place on the floor of a Eurotrash club.

She does what she promises and takes to the stage to rave with her goggled-up backing dancers in utility jackets and cargo pants who throw her about the stage like she’s a plastic bag caught in a breeze.

A high-octane final performance from Austria is finished by a humble thanks to the audience for ‘making her dreams come true’

Austria’s Kaleen will now take to the stage with the final performance, except for the eventual winner, with We Will Rave.

Slimane was beset by difficulties during his rehearsal so it was a joy to see the singer overcome his previous troubles and deliver a tear-jerking performance.

Dressed in a white woven shirt and trousers, the French entry opted for the traditional chanson route which has served the country well in previous years – L’Oiseau Et L’Enfant was performed by Marie Myriam.

The simple staging left Slimane alone on stage with nothing but a smoke machine and a microphone stand as he belted out his hair-raising final notes which triggered cheers and whoops from the crowd.

He finished his performance by shouting: ‘United by music for love and peace’.

Nutsa Buzaladze appeared to be channeling an Egyptian goddess and a naked flame in her performance of Firefighter for Georgia.

A good pop-bop and easy to dance to which could mean it does well.

The sexy dance break in the middle is sure to get the crowd on board as are the rings of fire and pyrotechnics.

Georgia has yet to win the main competition but has plenty of young talent having won the Junior Eurovision Song Contest three times.

The power-house vocals and simple staging with the focus on Buzaladze’s skimpy outfit could might be just enough to help her stand out after Croatia’s performance.

Georgia’s Nutsa Buzaladze now performing with Firefighter.

Wow, wow, wow! There’s a reason Baby Lasagna is tipped for a strong showing and this performance illustrates why.

The song, Rim Tim Tagi Dim is about how Croatians are leaving the countryside to seek a better life in the city – hence the reference to a beloved cow.

The staging is impressive with lace doilies on the drum kit and neon strobe lights crossing the stage.

Baby Lasagna himself is dressed as a cross between Adam Ant and an 18th century monarch.

The crowd love it and even Graham Norton thinks it could be a winner although it’s difficult to pin point exactly why it’s so brilliant -possibly because it’s so bonkers.

The bookmaker’s favourite, Croatia’s Baby Lasagna, is now up.

Slovenia’s entry is less naked than it looks.

The squirming backing dancers in nude suits crawling around Raiven in a see-through body suit is quite the feast for the eyes but the highlight of the performance are the vocals which dominate the stage.

At song 22 it may not stand out from the crowd – viewers might be more inclined to remember the costumes over anything else but it was certainly entertaining

In a break between performances… Malin Åkerman has introduced viewers to none other than…her mother-in-law Chrissie Wickham.

Mrs Wickham herself is Eurovision royalty having choregraphed for previous acts including Bardo’s Making Your Mind Up and Buck’s Fizz – iconic acts that have remained fan favourites down the years.

She even pulled off her old trick and ripped off Malin’s short skirt to reveal a glittering mini dress underneath

Among the bookies’ favourites to win. Nemo has the charisma and the costume to go far.

Coming out with ear-splitting falsetto and a peach ruffled coat and matching skirt, the crowd were singing along before the performance had even got going.

The non-binary singer and rapper has taken the competition by storm and their ballad detailing gender identity and mental health has certinaly resonated with viewers.

The staging was simple and effective: an unstable disk that Nemo climbs and conquers while spinning around in golden lighting was met with cheers and screams from the 9,000-strong audience.

But most impressive was Nemo’s ability to hit every note while running around the stage like a headless chicken. Not a note or a step missed.

The Swiss entrant Nemo is now up with their song The Code.

Cyprus has entered 39 times without winning a single time so all the island’s hopes are pinned on 17-year-old Silia Kapsis.

With a heartbreak pop banger complete with glittery outfits and attractive male backing dancers, Kapsis brought a lot of energy to her performance.

But learning from previous years (Mae Muller’s ‘I Wrote a Song’) a personal break-up ballad might not make much of an impact on voters.

Having said that the crowd seemed to enjoy and screams went out as soon as her dancers stripped off their pristine white t-shirts.

Australian born Silia Kapsis is up now representing Cyprus with her song Liar.

In true Eurovision style,  LADANIVA’s performance is quite frantic and amounts to one big party – perfect for song 19 when the crowd can often start to flag.

The traditional dress and instruments took centre stage with a flute and saxophone having their moment in the spotlight.

The singer also managed to get the crowd on side to vocalise with her – an impressive feat with LADANIVA’s beautiful voice.

A true feast for the eyes it had something of the Russian Grannies from 2012 about it but with more energy.

Going off the crowd reaction it should do well.

Armenia’s entry LADANIVA is up now with Jako

In a startling white ensemble with masked singers behind her, Iolanda’s performance is spine-tingling.

The staging and her powerful voice make for a perfect live performance and the crowd seemed to enjoy as the singer belted out her impressive high notes.

The Portuguese performer finished her calming performance by shouting:’ Peace will prevail!’.

It might not be a standout after Windows95man but it seemed to do well with the audience.

A Eurovision classic-to-be.

Windows95man begins by hatching from a giant egg in nothing more than a skimpy top, cap and sandals and socks before a denim clad mustachioed man sings in startling falsetto.

The backing dancers appear to have been kidnapped straight from a 90s boyband and the outfits could be deadstock from a joke-shop closing-down sale.

In other words it’s Eurovision perfection.

How could the performance be improved – flying firework pants. Yes, you might want to read that twice.

A true classic in the making and totally bonkers – Windows95man does what he promises, he lives by no rules.

Finland now on stage with “No Rules!” performed by Windows95man…let’s hope he doesn’t crash

Serbia’s plinky-plonk ballad provides a nice departure from Italy’s more sensual number.

Sung from a cave, Teya Dora gave her all in a heartfelt performance and even made sure to sink to her knees in the more melodic part of the ballad but the reaction from the crowd was lukewarm.

Perhaps at song 16, the spectators are looking for something more exciting as the competition creeps over the halfway point.

Serbia’s entrant Teya Dora is now performing with Ramonda.

You can count on Italy to put on a show having won with Måneskin in 2021 and placed second in 2019 with Mahmood and Souldi – the 2020 competition was cancelled due to Covid.

Angelina Mango didn’t disappoint.

Her sing-song verses contrast delightfully with the more exciting chorus which got the crowd dancing and clapping along.

The singer stuck with classic Italian staging: red and black with skimpy outfits – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

The rose and thorn throne was a nice addition as were the flares but it’s difficult to know how well the song will stand up among some of the more outrageous performances in store for tonight.

Italian singer Angelina Mango is up next with her song “La noia”.

Norway have gone for brooding folklore with Viking style vocalising which has done well for entries in previous years – think Kateryna Pavlenko for Ukraine.

The dark and dingy performance by Gåte was contrasted by the rather shouty singing and the neon lights.

Unfortunately the goth-aspect of Norway’s performance may be overshadowed by Bambie Thug’s rather more exciting show.

We’re now more than half way through the performances.

Norway are up now with “Ulveham” performed by Gåte.

Olly Alexander is hoping to break the UK’s Eurovision curse and take home the trophy following Sam Ryder’s success.

Squirming and writhing among his backing dancers Alexander gives it his all in red leather trousers and a ripped white vest.

A synth-pop upbeat earworm with, oddly, wedding bells in the background.
Jumping on the strobe, EDM bandwagon the Years & Years frontman gives an emotional performance and the crowd goes wild.

A cross between a boxing changing room and an emotional cage, the staging was a feast for the eyes and hopefully the singer’s star power can take the UK to number one

Olly is now up performing Dizzy.

Greece’s entry Marina Satti are hoping to worm their way into viewers’ hearts and ears.

The singer spent three weeks at number one in the Greek charts and is platinum superstar in her home country.

A very Gen-Z pop rap performance, Satti may well have taken inspiration from Olivia Rodrigo with her purple puff skirt and ribbons.

The Eurovision twist? A bit of classic Greek dancing.

Nothing says Eurovision more than a not to traditional influences.

Despite her high-octane performance the reaction from the crowd seemed a little muted but that didn’t stop the Greek singer giving it her all under the pretty pink strobes.

Greece’s Marina Satti is now performing “Zari”.

Latvia’s entry is going straight for tear-jerking technique.

Dons, dressed in a blue breastplate stares soulfully into the crowds as he sing’s ‘You’ll see me cry in rivers I might drown’.

The set is nothing too spectacular – especially after Bambie Thug’s performance but Dons gives a stellar performance, belting out the big notes as he stands in a golden circle.

Note from Graham Norton who suggested Dons was auditioning for the Blue Man Group

Latvian entry Dons is now performing his song Hollow

Ireland is no stranger to a quirky entry having had a Kate Bush inspired entry in 1996 in the form of Eimear Quinn.

The country is also no stranger to victory having won seven times in total.

This year’s entry is goth-vampire-witch inspired with a touch of ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ and a sprinkling of…fairy.

The screaming strobe effects as Bambie Thug writhes around in a circle of candles is startling to watch but even more startling is the switch to playful acoustic guitar chords as the dances with a half monster-half man complete with monstrous fangs in front of a pink moon.

Despite the bizarre nature of the song Ireland could be onto a winner and even if they don’t take home the trophy, they’re a fan favourite in their home town of Macroom.

An interesting entry from Estonia.

The crowd looked just as confused as they did during their semi-final performance, unsure what to make of 5MIINUST and Puuluup.

The duo are made up of Estonian pop legends 5MIINUST and the rather newer award-winning zombie-folk duo (their words not ours) Puuluup who have incorporated traditional folk fiddle melodies into the chaotic performance.

With all the trappings of classic rap including crotch grabbing and sunglasses indoors the act takes a sudden turn when the two halves become enmeshed in a sing off, brandishing their weapons/instruments.

Where to go from this – add a dance break.

The crowd certainly get behind the group but whether that will translate into any votes is a different story.

As is customary Graham Norton took a moment to raise a toast to veteran Eurovision host Terry Wogan who died in 2016..

Now its Estonia up with 5miinust and Puuluup.

One to watch and the raunchy song is as Eurovision as it gets for Spain’s 2024 entry.

Bursting onto the screen and into our ears with a heavy 80s synth is Nebulossa with Zorra. Think Wham! and Duran Duran.

The real-life couple have got everything they need to be a hit: sexually charged lyrics (Zorra is a derogative term in Spanish and roughly translates as vixen), a woman thrusting while playing the drums on a podium, red lighting and black lace, and tonnes of mascara.

The crowd went wild almost immediately which bodes well, chanting along with the chorus and clapping along.

The highlight from the performance? Most definitely the backing dancers.

Acrobatic twists and splits accompanying dramatic costume changes involving stripping off black suits to reveal thong corsets underneath complete with leather stiletto boots.

At entry eight they’re still in the first half of the show but viewers are unlikely to forget this Spanish vixen’s performance in a hurry.

A Eurovision classic in the making?

Spain will be performing next with “Zorra” performed by Nebulossa.

Just away from the competition, some news from the Netherlands who were scheduled to be the fifth country to perform in Malmo…

The Netherlands has dramatically quit the Eurovision Song Contest and will NOT hand out points tonight in protest against the axing of their contestant Joost Klein.

Klein was expelled from the Eurovision Song Contest just hours before he was due to perform after a complaint was made by a ‘female member of the production crew’.

Lithuania’s entry is a an unsettling ballad performed in a hazy electronic blue hue before breaking out into a funky electronic beat.

The crowd was clapping along within the first 30 seconds and Silvester Belt seemed bouyed on by the support, even cracking a smile whilst singing mournfully to the crowds.

The whole performance is on the extra-terrestrial side as backing dancers jerkily flip around the 26-year-old rapper/singer with strange balaclavas on under intense red lighting.

Belt himself appears to have wandered in off the street dressed in oversized red pleather trousers and a matching vintage-style windbreaker.

The EDM dance break is a nice change of pace and is improved by what sounds just a little like a flute thrown in for good fun.

While a good bop to break up the ballads it might not stand out from the crowd by the time weary listeners have made it so song 26 but luckily viewers can vote as they watch and no longer have to wait until the end.

Possibly the most contentious performance Eurovision has ever had, Eden Golan is representing Israel with Hurricane and got through to the grand final on viewer votes.

The pink haired singer took to the stage in a flowing beige gown surrounded by sad-seeming back-up dancers for the emotional ballad.

The whispery voice was almost drowned out by the cheers of support from the crowd as she moved from the verse to the bridge and chorus but the reaction from the 9,000 spectators was mixed in the arena.

Given the current tension surrounding the competition it’s difficult to know how well this hard hitting entry will do but ballads generally do well with the judges – cast your minds back to Conchita Wurst in 2014 with her ballad ‘Rise Like a Phoenix’.

Golan has been expecting backlash and has even been rehearsing while her team shout and jeer at her so she’s prepared for everything it seems.

Israel’s Eden Golan is up next following the disqualification of Joost Klein and the Netherlands

TALI is Luxemburg’s entry with ‘Fighter’ – a cross between Charlie XCX and a French chanson with writhing backing dancers.

The country hasn’t been in the finals since 1993 and will be hoping to make an impact this year.

A true Eurovision pop song it includes scantily-clad backing dancers and pyrotechnics.

TALI has gone for minimalist staging, perhaps hoping her giant pigtails will take centre stage.

The classic pop track had the crowd clapping and cheering early on which is good news for Luxemburg who have only won five times.

TALI ends her preppy performance by declaring her love to the crowd – a delightful end to a fun entry.

Luxembourg entrant Tali is up next with her song Fighter

Is that UK 2021 entry James Newman? No, but Germany’s ISAAK sounds startlingly similar.

All brooding mystery, surrounded by an oil drum on fire and trapped in a cage, Germany has gone for soulful grungy ballad this year and given Sweden’s success last year it could be a winner.

Titled ‘Always On The Run’, the 29-year-old singer is hoping his heartfelt belter will get the crowd on side.

The chorus builds nicely and is accompanied by yet more fire and the audience clapping along is a good sign but it’s still only early days in the competition.

While more than a third of Eurovision winners come in the first half could this be Germany’s year – they haven’t won since 2010 which was only the second time in the contest’s history.

The German entrant Isaak is now up with his song Always on the Run

Ukraine has gone for the classic Eurovision sound – a combo of electronic thumping bass and folk vocalising.

Alyona Alyona is one of Ukraine’s favourite rappers and she’s joined by singer Jerry Heil.

Their song, Teresa & Maria, is supposed to be a song about hope and the flowing dresses, armoured shoulder pads and swirling visuals certainly have a warrior theme but the rapping does come as a bit of a shock after the goose-bump inducing singing.

The staging might have taken inspiration from sci-fi cult film Dune including a giant sand mountain protruding from the stage but the song is pure Euro-pop.

The performance seems to have gone down well with the Malmo crowd this evening but historically no one in second place has ever won before.

Ukrainian artists Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil are next up with Teresa & Maria

Has the Eurovision giddiness got to you already, are you seeing double?
Yes.

Identical twin brothers Marcus and Martinus Gunnarsen are kicking off the competition for hosts Sweden with an electronic dance tune with a heavy base and neon light.

Think Ibiza anthem but a bit more camp as is Eurovision style, a true head-bobbing ear worm.

The pair will be hoping that their crack at the trophy won’t be ‘unforgettable’ but they’re no seasoned veterans like last years Loreen who also won in 2012.

The identical duo are starting the evening off with a bang and have already got the crowd on side.

Norwegian twins Marcus and Martinus have opened the Eurovision final with their song Unforgettable.

The hosts for this year’s competition are Malin Åkerman and Petra Mede.

Malin will be a familiar face to many – a Swedish-American actress she’s starred in blockbuster films alongside Ryan Reynolds and Katherine Heigl.

Hailing from Stockholm, she’s risen from the Swedish capital where she grew up with her model mother and finance father to conquer Hollywood.

Petra is a Swedish celebrity – a comedian, dancer, actress and TV presenter she is possibly best known for hosting the Eurovision Song Contest with 2024 marking her third time hosting.

When she’s not hosting international competitions she’s busy filming Netflix shows and brining up her daughters.

The lines have now opened for voting.

In front of 9,000 people Sweden pays a tribute to it’s musical history with a performance by Björn Skifs (pictured) before welcoming all of this year’s performers with the traditional flag parade.

The final is now starting and is available to watch on BBC One.

We will continue to bring you the latest news, reaction and analysis to performances by each country.

With minutes to go now before we get under way in Malmo, let’s take a look at who the bookies are predicting will lift the Eurovision trophy tonight. Olly Alexander…you may want to look away.

Our reporter Olivia Christie reported yesterday how Olly Alexander’s Eurovision interview was cancelled ahead of the Grand Final tomorrow so the star can rehearse.

Let’s take a closer look at Olly Alexander – the man carrying the hopes of the United Kingdom tonight.

Born in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, Olly is a singer and actor who is also known for his LGBT activism.

He found fame as the lead singer of Years & Years, a London-based pop group, whose debut album Communion rose straight to the top of the UK album charts in 2015.

In 2018, the group’s second album, Palo Santo reached the top 10 following its release and the third and final album Night Call also reached number one. Last year, Alexander switched to performing under his own name.

As an actor, Olly starred in Russell T Davies’ Channel 4 drama It’s a Sin, which depicts gay life in the 1980s and early 1990s, and the onset of HIV/AIDS.

Olly was nominated for a British Academy Television Award for Best Actor following the show’s critical acclaim.

With Olly Alexander hoping to bring Eurovision success back to the United Kingdom for the first time since 1997, we looked at which countries traditionally have been favourable with handing out points to this country…and those that haven’t.

Our reporter Elizabeth Haigh reports how Britain’s record in the competition is mixed to say the least ranging from some genuine chart-toppers from artists like Lulu and Bucks Fizz to the complete embarrassment of nul points for pop duo Jemini.

In the run-up to tonight’s final, our reporter Zac Campbell has charted the UK’s Eurovision entries from the past decade from Sam Ryder’s finishing runner-up in 2022 to the joint-worst finishes in the history of the competition.

The United Kingdom has competed in Eurovision on 65 occasions, taking part in every contest since 1959.

One of the so-called ‘Big Five’ nations, alongside France, Germany, Spain and Italy, the UK gains automatic qualification to the final every year because it is one the largest contributors to the European Broadcasting Union.

Despite finishing in last place on four occasions including twice in the past five years (2019 and 2021) including latterly scoring “nul points” with James Newman, the UK remains one of the most successful countries in the competition.

Here are the UK’s five previous wins:

• 1967: Sandie Shaw – Puppet on a String
• 1969: Lulu Boom Bang-a-Bang (joint winner with France, Spain and The Netherlands)
• 1976: Brotherhood of Man – Save Your Kisses for Me
• 1981: Bucks Fizz (pictured above) – Making Your Mind Up
• 1997: Katrina and the Waves – Love Shine a Light

Ireland’s Bambie Thug and Marcus & Martinus, the Norweigan twins representing Sweden, can make history tonight if they lead their nation to an unprecedented eighth Eurovision victory.

Sweden will also be hoping for back to back success after Loreen (pictured) lifted the trophy in Liverpool last year.

Here’s a look at the best performing nations when it comes to Eurovision in which 15 countries have won more than once.

• 7 – Ireland and Sweden
• 5 – Luxembourg, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom
• 4 – Israel
• 3 – Italy, Norway, Denmark and Ukraine
• 2 – Germany, Spain, Switzerland and Austria

With an hour to go before the Eurovision final kicks off, let’s take a look ahead to the competition itself and away from the controversy surrounding it which I’m sure we will return to later on this evening.

Bambie Thug has said that they raised “multiple complaints” with Eurovision Song Contest organisers about a commentator from the Israeli broadcaster delegation following them missing rehearsals on Saturday ahead of the final.

They wrote in an Instagram story:

I have raised multiple complaints to the EBU regarding instances I have experienced this week.

Earlier today they confirmed to my delegation in front of others that KAN’s commentator had broken the rules of conduct during the Eurovision semi-final.

I have been patiently waiting to hear what action is set to be taken by the EBU following this rule break. I have since seen a statement by EBU director general Noel Curran which contradicts this earlier confirmation.

I am still waiting for an official update from the EBU.

Five nations, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, automatically qualified for tonight’s final by virtue of belonging to the ‘Big 5’ – a group of nations who make the largest financial contributions to Eurovision’s organisers, the European Broadcasting Union.

Sweden also earned immediate passage after the singer Loreen won the competition while representing the country in Liverpool last year.

Ten countries qualified during the first semi-final on Tuesday with five countries missing out: Poland, Iceland, Moldova Azerbaijan and Australia.

While the remaining 10 entrants sealed their inclusion in the second semi-final contested on Thursday with six nations missing out: Malta, Albania, Czech Republic, Denmark, San Marino and Belgium.

The Netherlands qualified in the second cohort but have since been disqualified.

Sweden will perform first in tonight’s running order with Olly Alexander and the UK 13th in the draw – fingers crossed it’ll prove lucky for some!

Eurovision organisers clarified earlier today that tonight’s running order will be unchanged following Dutch entrant Joost Klein’s disqualification.

Netherlands were scheduled to be number five.

In a statement, the organisers asked viewers not to attempt to vote for Netherlands and clarified that Dutch nationals will still be able to vote in the competition.

MailOnline has reported how the Eurovision final has been thrown into turmoil after a series of crises unraveled in Malmo before the grand final is scheduled to start at 8pm UK time.

So let’s recap the events that threaten to overshadow the contest:

• Dutch rapper Joost Klein axed after being questioned by Swedish police over incident allegedly involving female production crew
• Ireland’s Bambie Thug misses final dress rehearsal after explaining a ‘situation’ required ‘urgent attention’ from organisers European Broadcasting Union
• France’s entrant Slimane interrupted his own performance to say Eurovision should be ‘united for peace’ in protest over Israel
• Around 15,000 pro-Palestine protesters gather in Malmö to demand Israeli contestant Eden Golan be kicked out of the final

With two semi-finals held earlier this week and plenty of scrutiny in the build up to tonight’s final, let’s take a look at some of the Eurovision stories we’ve covered this week.

Here is a selection of stories we have published on our website including the storm surrounding Israeli-Russian singer Eden Golan (pictured):

Ireland’s entrant Bambie Thug has fulled doubts over whether they will perform at tonight’s final after pulling out of final rehearsals.

Eurovision organisers said they hoped the singer will take to the stage in Malmo later following a ‘situation’ that it hoped would be ‘resolved shortly’

A spokesperson for the European Broadcasting Union said:

Bambie Thug did not perform in dress rehearsal three and the footage of their performance in dress rehearsal two was used in its place.

They missed the dress rehearsal due to a situation that is currently being discussed with the EBU and song contest organisers.

We hope that this will be resolved shortly and Bambie Thug will appear in the grand final show as planned.

With two hours to go before the final kicks off and excitement building across the UK and the continent, let’s take a look at some Eurovision superfans who have been pictured gathering in Malmo earlier today.

Let’s just recap that seismic development earlier today as Swedish police investigate Joost Klein over over an incident allegedly involving a female production crew member.

Amid already heightened tensions surrounding the contest with protests expected in Malmo over the inclusion of Israeli singer Eden Golan, the incident has drawn more attention even before the singers take to the stage.

It has been a dramatic day already in Malmo after Eurovision organisers disqualified Dutch contender Joost Klein (pictured) earlier today.

The 26-year-old singer and rapper was absent from two rehearsals on Friday and it has since emerged Swedish police are investigating a complaint allegedly made by a female member of the production crew.

It means 25 countries will now participate in tonight’s final which promises more entertainment with good, bad and downright bizarre performances ahead of us

Follow our blog as we guide you through the 68th edition of Eurovision which starts at 8pm UK time.

Viewers can watch the action on BBC One.