Who is Olly Alexander? From Its a Sin to Eurovision Song Contest 2024

UK Eurovision's Olly Alexander performing Dizzy in the semi final
UK Eurovision's Olly Alexander performing Dizzy in the semi final -Credit:BBC


Eurovision is upon us and some people might be asking ‘just who is Olly Alexander?’.

Well, the Years and Years star is representing the UK at the Eurovision Contest 2024 which is taking place in Swedish city Malmo. This year’s final is happening on Saturday, May 11.

You’ll be able to watch all the fun, glam and possible controversy from the 68th edition of the famous singing event on BBC1. The action will kick-off at 8pm with Graham Norton and the gang on hand for enthusiastic Eurovision fans.

Read more: Irish Eurovision entry tipped to go far

Olly Alexander will be performing his Eurovision song Dizzy live during Saturday night’s final. Discussing the honour of performing as the UK entry, Olly said: "I'm feeling very proud to be representing the UK with my song ‘Dizzy’. I can't believe that it's happening to be honest with you, this whole experience feels like a dream.

"I've watched Eurovision since I was a kid and now that I'm going to be out there on the stage, flying the flag for my country. It's quite overwhelming but very exciting."

“Where do I know Olly Alexander from?”

Here’s a little potted history of Olly Alexander’s career to date. The 33-year-old hails from Harrogate in our county of Yorkshire.

He’s probably most famous for being the lead singer of Years and Years. You’ll likely recognise their songs King and Shine among others. Formerly a band, Years and Years became a solo project for Olly back in 2021.

In January 2022, the third Years & Years album titled Night Call was released and it debuted at number one in the UK. In 2023, Alexander stopped using the band's name and switched to performing under his own name.

In terms of acting, Olly received critical acclaim for his performance as Ritchie Tozer in the Channel 4 drama series It's a Sin. For his portrayal he was nominated for a British Academy Television Award for Best Actor and the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actor.

Other acting credits include parts in Skins, Penny Dreadful, Lewis and film The Riot Club. Many of Olly’s fans will hope the multi-talented star enjoys European glory on Saturday evening.

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