It’s nearly time to fire up the fondue set and enjoy a night on the sofa watching the 60th Eurovision Song Contest.

This year Welwyn Garden City singer Alex Larke will take to the stage at the glittering event in Vienna as one half of the UK’s entry, Electro Velvet.

Joining him to perform the band’s début single Still in Love With You, in front of an estimated global audience of 180 million viewers, is Bianca Nicholas, 26.

Ukulele teacher Alex 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!“

A fan of the Rolling Stones, Alex is currently lead singer for tribute group The Rollin’ Clones, one of the biggest Rolling Stones tribute shows in the world.

Outside of performing, the 35-year-old singer works part-time at Hereward Primary School in Essex, passing on his song writing and singing knowledge to the next generation of budding musicians.

Electro Velvet’s song 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.

Katie Taylor, UK controller of entertainment production, 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 be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC One HD, with commentary by Graham Norton, on Saturday, May 23, from 8pm, and live on BBC Radio 2 with commentary from Ken Bruce, from 8pm.