Eurovision UK 2023 song and act to be chosen by same team who picked Sam Ryder

The team who picked Sam Ryder and his Eurovision Song Contest track 'Space Man' are hoping to emulate their success by choosing the 2023 entry, too.

BBC and BBC Studios have announced that they will be working with TaP Music again, the global management and music publishing company behind some of the world’s most successful pop artists including Lana del Rey, Ellie Goulding, London Grammar, Dermot Kennedy and Mabel.

Read more: BBC interrupts schedules to report on Queen's health

Ryder managed to bag the number two spot in the contest's voting, a feat not achieved by the UK for decades, with the previous UK entrant James Newman having come away from the 2021 competition with nil points.

Watch: Sam Ryder performs 'Space Man' at 2022 Eurovision

Although Ukraine act Kalush Orchestra won the 2022 contest with Stefania, they are unable to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest because of Russia's invasion of their country, so the UK is set to step up as host next year.

The BBC and TaP Music will be hoping to improve one place on Ryder's efforts with 'Space Man', which went on to be a huge commercial success, too.

Read more: Jeremy Bowen feels Emily Maitlis 'crossed a line' in Newsnight controversy

Rachel Ashdown, commissioning editor for the BBC, said: “We are thrilled that Ben Mawson and Ed Millett plus the team at TaP will once again bring their unrivalled expertise to work with the BBC and BBC Studios to find an act and song to represent the UK at Eurovision. I hope we can find another artist who will not only be a brilliant ambassador for Eurovision but like Sam will sing their head off with a stand out song.”

Suzy Lamb, MD for BBC Studios entertainment and music, added: “After Sam Ryder's incredible result in Turin, we have a hard act to follow, but are looking forward to the challenge of finding a stand-out act and song for Eurovision 2023 that will be cheered on by a home crowd!”

The host UK city for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest is set to be announced this autumn.

Katrina and the Waves were the last UK act to win Eurovision, with their song 'Love Shine A Light' in 1997.

Ben Mawson and Ed Millett at TaP Music said: “TaP are very excited to be back working with the BBC to select the UK entry for Eurovision 2023.

"Last year we wanted to change the narrative around the UK and Eurovision to something much more positive. We focussed on what Eurovision is all about - we found a brilliant artist, an unforgettable song and an incredible person in Sam Ryder - we’re so proud of his fantastic success, coming second in the competition and then achieving a number 1 single.

"2022 will be a hard act to follow but we’re more than ready for the challenge - Eurovision being held in the UK for 2023 is such an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of British musical talent. Our search starts here!”

Watch: Lulu hopes for a 'new era' of UK Eurovision success