Lloyd Webber launches Eurovision search

Andrew Lloyd Webber has made a public plea to the nation as he launches his search for the UK's next Eurovision star.

The theatre composer confirmed that he will write the UK's song for next year's competition and is now on the hunt for a suitable candidate to perform his entry.

Announcing his plans on BBC One this evening, Lloyd Webber said: "People of Britain, I'm here to speak to you about a subject of considerable gravity - a subject that affects each and every one of us. I refer of course to our great nation's continued failure in the Eurovision Song Contest.

"The BBC have asked me to unite our kingdom in a quest to bring home the Eurovision crown once more. I have been asked to write the song, but where will I be unless one of you volunteer to sing it? So, ask not what your country can do for you, but what you could do for your country by contacting our website."

The hunt for the best entrant will reportedly form the basis for a new BBC talent competition hosted by Graham Norton.

Andy Abraham received just fourteen points when he represented the UK with his song 'Even If' this year. The BBC's Eurovision commentator Terry Wogan later blamed political voting for the result, adding that "this is no longer a music contest".

Organisers have already promised that juries will be reinstated at next year's contest in an attempt to put a stop to tactical voting.