Celebrities praise Sam Ryder as he takes second place at Eurovision 2022

In recent years, the UK's Eurovision Song Contest entrants have faced a barrage of negativity, nay-sayers and 'nul points' jibes. A country convinced it was a laughing stock, its accusations of 'political voting' cast a grey cloud over any hope of success.

Eurovision hero Sam Ryder brought the United Kingdom together as we dreamt of our first Eurovision win in a quarter of a century over the weekend. The 32 year old singer came out on top in the jury votes but was pipped to the crown by Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra when the public's scores were added. The Ukrainian act – who were given special permission to leave their war-torn country and perform at the contest – received 431 points from a maximum of 468 in the public vote, giving them an emotional victory in Turin, Italy, on Saturday night.

Eurovision entry Sam Ryder has announced details of a new 2022 London show.Ryder came second during the weekend’s Eurovision Song Contest in Turin, with Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra winning the event with a massive 631 points. It was the UK’s best performance result since 1997.Viral TikTok sensation Ryder went into the competition as the bookmakers second-favourite to win with his song ‘Space Man’.He will now play brand-new London venue Outernet in London on November 24.

BirminghamLive reports that the singer today told BBC Radio 2: "I don't know just I felt so much, just encouragement and support and love from home. And not just home, but in the Eurovision community in general, because there's so much love, sitting in that arena is like being in a church, it is just incredible. READ MORE: Newcastle United set to confirm pre-season schedule for first overseas summer tour since 2019 "I can't explain it, and I can't even begin to do it justice, the feeling that you have when you're there.

Sam Ryder has detailed how he prepared for the hit singing competition Eurovision on Saturday 14 May, explaining that he didn't have a single drink in the lead up to the big event.The 32 year old TikTok sensation left the UK in a state of immense pride as he sang Space Man and came in second behind Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra, who played Stefania. Now, Sam has spoken out on how "laser-focused" he was in preparing to represent the UK as he told Radio X's Chris Moyles: "I didn’t drink whatsoever.

Eurovision Song Contest runner-up Sam Ryder broke his silence on Monday after making history for the UK on the international talent show.MORE: How to get your hair like the stars of Eurovision - from the stylists who made themThe Essex-based singer, who became popular during lockdown with his impressive vocals, blew Europe away with his epic performance on Saturday night, scoring a staggering 466 points for his homeland.WATCH: Eurovision 61 years of contestantsTaking to his Instagram, the 32-year-old shared a jubilant snap of himself and Team UK. Captioning the photo, he wrote: "Still up in Space, Man!READ: Why Eurovision fans can't stop talking about Meghan Markle's hairSEE: Eurovision's most memorable contestants"Thank you all for blazing with love, positivity and kindness throughout this wild and euphoric experience.A post shared by SAM RYDER (@samhairwolfryder)Sam became a TikTok sensation during the pandemic"We completely felt your support and we so deeply appreciated it.

Graham Norton has shared the moment he met a delighted Sam Ryder backstage after his Eurovision triumph. The UK's Eurovision Song contest host tweeted a video of the celebrations in Turin, Italy, as a jubilant Sam entered the room after coming in second place after Ukraine on Saturday night.

Kalush Orchestra beat UK entrant Sam Ryder to win last night’s (May 14) Eurovision Song Contest in Turin.Bookies’ favourites Ukraine picked up a massive 631 points – largely from the public vote – to overhaul the UK, who were winning after the jury votes.In the wake of the second placed finish, fans online have been hailing Sam Ryder and sharing their confused delight at the result.“SECOND PLACE! This is an incredible moment, no time to be too disappointed,” one wrote. Sam Ryder did himself and everyone SO damn proud.

"This is a red letter day," declared host Graham Norton proudly as Sam Ryder earned the UK's best result in 20 years at the Eurovision Song Contest. And the praise and respect came pouring in for the TikTok sensation as he narrowly lost out to Ukraine.

Eurovision fans were speechless after Sam Ryder’s performance.The singer, who was representing the United Kingdom in tonight’s grand final, was showered with praise on social media for his “incredible” and “passionate performance of his track, Space Man. In fact, it seemed that for many viewers he was better than they expected given previous UK entries - especially as last year’s track by James Newman received no points at all. One fan wrote: “Honestly this is such a good song! Proper #Eurovision anthem.” Another tweeted: “Sam Ryder is much better than I expected.” “Sam Ryder might be one of the best voices we’ve ever had to represent us,” one wrote.

The UK's Eurovision hopeful Sam Ryder has revealed he has struck up a friendship with Hollywood actress Jamie Lee Curtis.The 32-year-old, who is representing the UK in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest and is one of the favourites to win, shared that Jamie is a "fan" of his. Speaking to Daily Star, Sam shared details of the unlikely friendship. "Jamie has been so encouraging since day one, she is so lovely," he said.

Being a Brit is usually a rather sad affair when you're watching the Eurovision Song Contest, especially in recent years.

perform the track Space Man at the grand final in Turin, Italy, tonight. He co-wrote the song with Grammy-winning songwriter Amy Wadge, who has previously worked with Ed Sheeran, and Max Wolfgang. He began singing as a child, and was inspired to pursue a career in music after seeing the Canadian rock band Sum 41.

Eurovision might have been on our screens since 1956, but the UK hasn't had much luck in winning over the years. In fact, in all of its 66 year history, we've only been able to beat the competition and claim the win on five occasions. Our friends in Ireland have proven the most successful, having won Eurovision seven times.

It’s time to get the Union Jacks out and the snacks and drinks in – the Eurovision Song Contest is back for its 66th year. It is also 25 years since the UK last triumphed, with Katrina and The Waves’ Love Shine A Light. Bringing his usual dry wit to the event, Eurovision fixture Graham Norton will be flying the flag for this year’s entry, Sam Ryder’s Space Man.