United Kingdom: It won’t be a one-off appearance for BBC!

In a recent exclusive discussion on the Euro Trip Podcast, Lee Smithurst revealed details of how the United Kingdom decided to return to the Junior Eurovision contest in 2022, and highlighted the UK’s ambition to create a “positive” impression at the competition.

Recalling his Turin experience, Lee Smithurst admits he felt responsible while awaiting the results of last May’s Eurovision. In the end, Sam Ryder won the jury vote and came second with 466 points representing the UK. Following the success, Lee Smithurst hopes that new fans will get the impression that “the United Kingdom is always competitive“.

Moving on to UK’s return to Junior Eurovision, Lee says the idea of the BBC entering Junior Eurovision 2022 came from BBC committee member Rachel Ashdown just two weeks after the Grand Final in Turin. He goes on to say that they wanted to capitalise on “the goodwill, positivity and interest” of Eurovision in the UK, something Sam Ryder had supported during his involvement in the contest.

Looking for the artist for Junior Eurovision 2022, which will take place in Yerevan, Armenia, Lee says he wanted to do something “really modern” and “build on Sam’s success“. On the morning of 3 November 2022, BBC Breakfast announced that 13-year-old Freya Skye will represent the United Kingdom in Armenia with the fresh pop song, “Lose My Head“.

Lee was asked if the 2022 return was a one off appearance for BBC, but there was no such question. He says it is a “long-term plan” and hopes to build on it “a TV final and audition show“.

The United Kingdom is returning to the competition for the first time since 2005. In the three years it participated, 2003-2005. It’s best result was second place in 2004 with Cory Spedding’s “The Best Is Yet To Come”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p_L-vr3Mdc&feature=emb_title

Do you think the United Kingdom will find success in Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2022? Tell us in the comments!