The best British Eurovision entry of all time has been named as Bucks Fizz's 'Making Your Mind Up'.
A poll of 2,000 adults saw 39 per cent vote for the catchy tune, which saw the group take home the Eurovision title in 1981 after an iconic performance in the contest held in Dublin.
It is the second year running the popular group have taken the top spot.
Sam Ryder's 'Space Man' (26 per cent) and Brotherhood of Man’s ‘Save Your Kisses for Me’ (22 per cent) also remained in second and third place.
While Cliff Richard’s first Eurovision entry in 1968, ‘Congratulations’, and Katrina and the Waves’ ‘Love Shine a Light’, the last Eurovision win for the UK in 1997, made up the top five.
The research, commissioned by WhichBingo which is hosting its annual industry awards [https://www.whichbingo.co.uk/awards/] tonight , also revealed other top Eurovision tunes from the UK, including Lulu with ‘Boom Bang-a-Bang’ from 1969, and Sonia’s ‘Better the Devil You Know’, which just missed out on first place in 1993.
Commenting on making it top of the poll, Cheryl Baker, who won Eurovision as part of Bucks Fizz's hit in 1981 said: “It’s fabulous - especially because it wasn’t just British songs in the poll, it was all Eurovision songs.
“To still come out on top again after all these years is unbelievable really, and I’m thrilled.”
According to the study, the perfect formula for a Eurovision-winning entry is a catchy, memorable chorus (35 per cent), an unforgettable hook melody (34 per cent), and a powerful vocal performance (24 per cent).
Other essential factors included a charismatic performer you want to root for (19 per cent) and a sense of fun, camp or chaos (15 per cent).
The research shows the UK still loves Eurovision, with 34 per cent watching the final every year or most years, and half still proud of Sam Ryder’s performance four years later.
There’s also confidence among fans that the UK could end its 29-year wait for a Eurovision win, with 19 per cent believing LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER could triumph over the competition this year.
Cheryl Baker, who is speaking at this year’s WhichBingo Awards which recognises excellence in online bingo [https://www.whichbingo.co.uk/bingo-sites/] and casino sites [https://www.whichbingo.co.uk/casino-sites/] - added: “I actually think our boy’s going to do really well this year - at the very least I think we’ll finally be on the left-hand side of the scoreboard rather than the right-hand side.
“It’s fun, it’s different, and Eurovision audiences love that.
“I’ve seen the rehearsals and he’s got dancers with these television screens - it looks great and could do really well.”
Exactly three in 10 reckon the UK’s entries have got worse in recent years, with 24 per cent believing we should take it more seriously.
However, 57 per cent reckon the competition has become ‘too woke’ and 77 per cent say it’s too politically driven.
The study also found 27 per cent want Ed Sheeran to compete for the UK at Eurovision – ahead of Adele (26 per cent) and Harry Styles (21 per cent).
Shaun Frackleton of WhichBingo said: “We’re backing LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER to go all the way, but how cool would it be if Ed Sheeran stepped out for Britain one year?
“As our research shows, there’s a few different factors which go into a knockout Eurovision performance.
“If they can stick close to them, there’s no reason Britain can’t go all the way.”
TOP 10 EUROVISION ENTRIES ACCORDING TO BRITS
1. Bucks Fizz – “Making Your Mind Up”
2. Sam Ryder – “Space Man”
3. Brotherhood of Man – “Save Your Kisses for Me”
4. Cliff Richard – “Congratulations”
5. Katrina and the Waves – “Love Shine a Light”
6. Lulu – “Boom Bang-a-Bang”
7. Sonia – “Better the Devil You Know”
8. Olivia Newton-John – “Long Live Love”
9. Cliff Richard – “Power to All Our Friends”
10. Bonnie Tyler – “Believe in Me”
