Eurovision Song Contest: Talent show winner will fly the flag for the UK in Israel

Michael Rice has won the public vote to represent the UK at the 64th Eurovision Song Contest in Israel.

The 21-year-old from Hartlepool will sing the track Bigger Than Us at the continent-wide competition in Tel Aviv in May.

He was selected during Eurovision: You Decide on BBC Two after making the final three decided by a panel of judges and then winning the public vote.

Rice is no stranger to TV singing shows, having won All Together Now on the BBC last year and making it onto The X Factor in 2014.

He said before You Decide: "Bigger Than Us is about love, coming together, it's a really powerful song. You just connect with it. It's all about emotion."

Former Great British Bake Off presenter Mel Giedroyc and past Swedish Eurovision winner Mans Zelmerlow hosted the show from Salford.

Rice, who owns a waffle and milkshake business, was up against five other acts, performing three different songs.

Rylan Clark-Neal was among the judges who put Rice, Kerrie-Anne and former Britain's Got Talent singer Jordan Clarke through to the final three.

They were picked over acts Anisa, girl group Maid, and 17-year-old singer and former X Factor hopeful Holly Tandy after each of the three specially written songs were sung in two different styles.

The UK has not won the coveted contest for 22 years or finished in the top 10 for a decade.

The competition is traditionally held in the latest winner's home country. Last year's winner, Israeli singer Netta, ended her acceptance speech by saying "next time in Jerusalem!"

In September, however, it was announced that Tel Aviv had been chosen to host the contest, a decision which has attracted controversy.

Celebrities including designer Vivienne Westwood, Pink Floyd's Roger Waters and 2018 Mercury Prize-winning band Wolf Alice had called on the BBC not to support the competition.