AJ Odudu is set to unveil the UK’s points count at the Eurovision Song Contest

‘Ciao Italia, Salford is calling!’ AJ Odudu is set to unveil the UK’s points count at the Eurovision Song Contest – as Sam Ryder prepares to represent the Brits in Turin

AJ Odudu is set to unveil the UK’s points in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest Final, which will take place in Italy from Saturday, May 14. 

The official BBC Eurovision Twitter account confirmed the news that the Salford native, 34, will be flying the British flag at the competition via a tweet on Friday morning.

And it seems the TV presenter has already made Eurovision history, as she joked that she will be the first star to present the points from the North West of England. 

Confirmed: AJ Odudu is set to unveil the UK’s points in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest Final, which will take place in Italy from Saturday, May 14

Alongside a snap of AJ, the tweet read: ‘Ciao Italia, this is SALFORD calling! @AJOdudu will be the first #Eurovision spokesperson to present the UK jury’s douze points from the North West’

It follows on from Amanda Holden, who held the title at last year’s Eurovision – yet received some backlash for her short appearance.

The BGT judge attempted to open her segment by speaking in French and Dutch, saying: ‘Bon soir. Goedenavond,’ but fans weren’t impressed as she followed up by saying she ‘didn’t know’ which language was which.

First time: And it seems the TV presenter has already made Eurovision history, as she joked she will be the first star to present the points from the North West of England

First time: And it seems the TV presenter has already made Eurovision history, as she joked she will be the first star to present the points from the North West of England

Ciao: Alongside a snap of AJ, the tweet read: 'Ciao Italia, this is SALFORD calling! @AJOdudu will be the first #Eurovision spokesperson to present the UK jury’s douze points from the North West'

Ciao: Alongside a snap of AJ, the tweet read: ‘Ciao Italia, this is SALFORD calling! @AJOdudu will be the first #Eurovision spokesperson to present the UK jury’s douze points from the North West’

However, they seemed pleased with this year’s choice, with one responding to the tweet to say ‘absolutely brilliant choice’ while another dubbed her an ‘extraordinary person’.

But some were still thinking of the UK’s disparaging track recored at the song contest, with one fan writing: ‘Because null points sounds especially dispiriting in a Lancashire accent’

Despite this, It could be a turnaround as TikTok star Sam Ryder is set to represent the UK this year.

Last year: It follows on from Amanda Holden, who held the title at last year's Eurovision - yet received some backlash for her short appearance

Last year: It follows on from Amanda Holden, who held the title at last year’s Eurovision – yet received some backlash for her short appearance

Unhappy: Fans weren't impressed with Amanda's appearance, as she mixed up European languages

Unhappy: Fans weren’t impressed with Amanda’s appearance, as she mixed up European languages

Sam rose to stardom by covering songs on TikTok during lockdown and is the most followed artist on the app.

Boasting over 12million followers , the singer is hoping to redeem the country after last year’s disastrous show – when James Newman became the only act of the night to not pick up a single point. 

Eurovision will air on BBC One from May 10, with the grand final taking place on May 14. 

Happy: However, the seemed please with the choice of AJ, despite some words of discouragement

Happy: However, the seemed please with the choice of AJ, despite some words of discouragement

Good luck! TikTok sensation Sam Ryder is set to represent the UK in the song competition this May

Good luck! TikTok sensation Sam Ryder is set to represent the UK in the song competition this May

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