Dubovie 'still smiling' after Eurovision drubbing

Josh Dubovie said he was "still smiling" today after suffering the humiliation of coming last in the Eurovision Song Contest.

The 19-year-old from Basildon, Essex, represented the UK with a song masterminded by hit-maker Pete Waterman.

But his performance of That Sounds Good To Me failed to win over the public and national juries and he ended up in bottom place with 10 points.

Dubovie, who is returning to Britain today, said: "This has been one of the best experiences of my life no matter where I've come in the contest.

"It's been a privilege to represent the UK, I will keep performing and I'm still smiling."

It is the third time the UK has finished in bottom spot in the past eight years, after poorly-received performances from Andy Abraham in 2008 and Jemini in 2003.

Waterman and co-composers Mike Stock and Steve Crosby said: "We are proud that Josh performed our song brilliantly and he did a fantastic job for the UK."

Graham Norton, whose commentary entertained BBC viewers, also spoke of his pride in Dubovie.

"It's a shame it wasn't our year - but I think the UK should be very proud of Josh and he should be very proud of himself," he said.

Germany stormed to victory in the annual competition with another 19-year-old singer, Lena, who scored 246 points with her song Satellite.

Acts from 25 countries competed in the event.

Turkey's MaNga came second, with Romania in third place and Denmark fourth.

Last night's contest, watched by an estimated 150 million people, was held at the Telenor Arena in Oslo, Norway.

The event was filled with the usual entertainment including a range of ballads, unusual props and costumes such as dresses which turned into butterfly wings, and the Spanish entry had to perform for a second time following a stage disturbance.

Dressed in a hat to match the backing dancers' distinctive outfits, an impostor reported to be Barcelona fan and sports event invader Jimmy Jump joined in the choreography.

The uninvited performer was removed from the stage by security guards.

This year's show also featured a Welshman - Jon Lilygreen - representing Cyprus.

The Newport native, who performed with international line-up The Islanders, finished in 21st place with Life Looks Better In Spring.

Also failing to score well was Ireland, whose hopes rested on former Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh.

The flame-haired singer took the title for Ireland in 1993 with a powerful rendition of In Your Eyes, the second victory of Ireland's three-in-a row.

But this year the country ended in 23rd position - just two above the UK.