Bill Bailey wants to do Eurovision next year and people are loving it

After the UK’s Jamie Newman suffered a humiliating loss at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest – receiving no points whatsoever from both the public vote and the juries – attention has already turned to who could represent us at 2022’s competition, which is due to take place in Italy.

Their entry, “Zitti E Buoni” by Måneskin, scored a massive total of 524 points in the contest, overtaking Switzerland who, at that point, were in the lead after the public vote.

London Mayoral candidate Count Binface and the Twitter account of No 10’s chief mouser Larry the Cat are among those putting their names forward already, but a new challenger has also thrown their hat into the ring: Bill Bailey.

The musician and stand-up comedian, 56, is known for his appearances on several panel shows, including Have I Got News For You and QI. He also won the BBC’s hit competition Strictly Come Dancing last year.

Taking to Twitter on Sunday morning, Bailey tweeted: “I’d be happy to throw my hat in the ring for #Eurovision 2022.”

It isn’t the first time that the star has offered to represent his country at the Europop contest, having previously said he was keen to take to the stage in 2007.

The comedy news website Chortle has already set up a petition in support of the idea, which currently stands at more than 40 signatures at the time of writing. There is, of course, still time.

“After yet another humiliation for the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest, we call on the BBC to put Bill Bailey forward as our entry for the 2022 contest, in Italy.

“Given his popularity (proved by his victory on Strictly) and his long-term love of music, we think it’s time he had this chance,” the outlet writes.

At this early stage, Bailey has already garnered support, including some high-profile names:

We’re rooting for you, Bill.