Years & Years frontman Olly Alexander has been confirmed as the UK representative for the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest.
The next contest is being staged in Malmo, Sweden next May following Loreen's triumph in Liverpool earlier this year.
Alexander, 33, has developed his song - which has yet to be revealed - alongside Dua Lipa's producer Danny L Harle.
"I've loved watching Eurovision ever since I was a little kid and I'm beyond excited to be taking part next year," he said in a statement.
"As a young boy I always looked forward to this incredible event of unbridled joy, the wonderfully chaotic mix of musical styles, theatrical performances, heartfelt emotion and humour.
"I really can't believe I'm going to be a part of such a special legacy and fly the flag for the UK in the gayest way possible, it shall be an honour! I've wanted to do this for a long time and it feels like the right moment to start releasing music under my own name.
"I'm determined to give it everything I've got and put on an excellent and unforgettable performance for you all!"
Kalpna Patel-Knight, head of entertainment at the BBC, said: "To have an artist of Olly Alexander's calibre representing the UK in Malmö in 2024 is testament to just how much the BBC wants to keep momentum of Eurovision riding high since the UK had the honour of hosting the contest on behalf of Ukraine in Liverpool earlier this year.
"Olly is the perfect ambassador for the UK as both an immensely talented and world renowned artist and passionate fan of the competition."
The grand final of Eurovision 2024 will take place on May 11, preceded by the semi-finals on May 7 and May 9.
Neil Wilkes
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