With the Eurovision Song Contest rapidly approaching, a look back at previous UK entries reveals it doesn’t always lead to fame and fortune. Notable exceptions include Matt Monro (1964), Cliff Richard (1968), Brotherhood of Man (1976), Bucks Fizz (1981) and Michael Ball (1992).

Sandie Shaw and Gina G both reached number one in the hit singles charts with their respective entries, whereas more recent representatives including Lucie Jones, Joe and Jake and Electric Velvet failed woefully in the contest and the charts.

Being regarded as a front-runner to win the contest is no guarantee of success on the big day. In 2014, the British singer-songwriter Molly was announced as the UK entry with the song “Children of the Universe”, only having agreed to perform if she could write her own music. Despite receiving widespread acclaim, the song was voted 17th out of 26, gaining just 40 points.

Even the biggest stars can meet their downfall at the Eurovision Song Contest: in 2012, the BBC unveiled the song “Love Will Set You Free”, a ballad sung by worldwide superstar Engelbert Humperdinck. Ultimately, it finished in 25th place with a mere 12 points.

A British pop group from Liverpool known as Jemini provided the ultimate embarrassment for UK Eurovision fans, finishing in last place with no points whatsoever with their song “Cry Baby”. Although the band claimed they were unable to hear the backing track, the general opinion was that it was a weak song sung out of tune.

This year’s contest takes place in Lisbon on 12 May, with the UK entry “Storm” being performed by SuRie, an English singer-songwriter. She has previously appeared in the contest providing backing vocals for a Belgian entry.