Follow the Bear

Well folks, we’ll cut to the chase as we are substantially less than 48 hours away from the Eurovision final, and the second semi-final has just come to an end. We now know the names of all 25 countries, artists and songs for Saturday’s final - and, in running order, they are below.

Another great semi - probably a few more ropey ones than Tuesday - and Svante toyed with us somewhat by leaving the two big favourites (Norway and Greece) to be revealed last.

Quite impressed as our pairing up of countries pretty much worked this year, with most people getting one of their pairs. But as ever - apologies if you’ve been forcibly re-arranged due to the poor performance of your country. Don’t blame us, blame the televoters of Europe. However, fear not - whatever you were originally planning, you can still be - we’ll have a ceremony and everything.

We’re really looking forward to seeing you, on Saturday, at 6.30pm, for this year’s EUROfiasco. It’s gonna be a ball. Remember - “come as your country” - there are prizes - and a foodstuff and a beverage are the key requirements!

The Draw

1. Lithuania - a calm before the storm
2. Israel - Paul Bruton
3. France - Claudine
4. Sweden - Owen
5. Croatia - Clairee
6. Portugal - Chrissie
7. Iceland - James Birkett
8. Greece - Lee
9. Armenia - Monica
10. Russia - Scott & Gorka
11. Azerbaijan - Katie Snell & Zoe
12. Bosnia - Claire Drayton
13. Moldova - Mark Robling & Nicki
14. Malta - Dom
15. Estonia - Steve(s)
16. Denmark - Sweeney
17. Germany - Katie Parkes & Ali1
18. Turkey - A & Pete
19. Albania - Ruth*
20. Norway - Clare & Nick
21. Ukraine - Peter Kalton
22. Romania - Ben Thomas
23. UK - Your esteemed hosts, as is traditional
24. Finland - Max & Ricardo
25. Spain - Fiaz & Chris

* also representing the traditional successful interval act, the Riverdance