It’s nearly time for the British public to brace themselves once again for the Eurovision Song Contest. But could this year – the 60th anniversary of the contest – mark a turning point in the UK’s otherwise traditionally poor track record?

Welwyn Garden City-born singer Alex Larke certainly thinks so, as he joins 26-year-old Bianca Nicholas to form Electro Velvet, the UK’s choice to perform this May at the glittering event in Vienna.

The 35-year-old says: “I feel incredibly privileged and humbled to be representing the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, for this massively historic 60th anniversary event. We have a fantastic song and will work as hard as is humanly possible to bring the contest home and make our great nation proud. It’s time to get this party started. See you in Vienna!“

Alex’s passion for music began aged 15 when he received a copy of the Oasis album (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? From that moment on he knew that all that he wanted to do was play guitar, write and sing.

A fan of the Rolling Stones, he is currently lead singer for tribute group The Rollin’ Clones, one of the biggest Rolling Stones tribute shows in the world. Alex has toured the UK and internationally with The Rollin’ Clones and loves every minute of performing as Mick.

Outside of performing, the singer works part-time at Hereward Primary School in Essex, passing on his songwriting and singing knowledge to the next generation of budding musicians. He also finds time to teach the ukulele and recorder.

Electro Velvet’s debut song Still In Love With You was selected from hundreds of entries received by the BBC following an open selection process inviting anyone who wished to submit a song for consideration.

A huge variety of amateur and professional writers and performers submitted songs, but the up-tempo electro swing track Still In Love With You, penned by David Mindel and Adrian Bax White, was picked as the UK entry.

Following the announcement on Monday, March 9, the song was met with a mixed reaction with many listeners quick to criticise the choice.

Alex and Bianca both defended their entry, which they will perform in front of an estimated global audience of 180million viewers.

Katie Taylor, UK controller of entertainment production at the BBC, says: “I am certain Electro Velvet will dazzle in Vienna for Eurovision’s Diamond Anniversary and do the UK proud.“

A total of 40 countries will compete in this year’s contest, which was won last year by Austrian singer Conchita Wurst.

The 60th Eurovision Song Contest will take place on Saturday, May 23, in Vienna, Austria, and will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC One HD, with commentary by Graham Norton, and live on BBC Radio 2 with commentary from Ken Bruce.