I Guess That's Why They Call it the Twos: The UK's Runner-Up History at Eurovision

I Guess That's Why They Call it the Twos: The UK's Runner-Up History at Eurovision

Author: Bingewatch November 4, 2024 Duration: 20:02

In this episode, Stephen deep dives into a Eurovision record nobody particularly wants, but one the United Kingdom has... and it's not the number of 'nil points'!

From Cliff Richard to Sam Ryder, the UK is far and away the most successful runner up in Eurovision history, so we take a look at every one, from the lucky breaks to the near-misses, and everything in between.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The Netherlands confirmed its participation in Eurovision 2025 after extensive negotiations with the EBU.
  • Germany is changing its national final format for Eurovision 2025, promising more viewer involvement.
  • Australia will compete again in Eurovision 2025, marking their tenth year in the contest.
  • The UK has an impressive record with 16 second place finishes at Eurovision, the most by any country.
  • Stephen Perkins dives into the history of the UK's Eurovision entries that finished in second place.
  • Despite various runner-up finishes, the UK is still searching for its next winning entry.

...

Mentioned in this episode:

Electric Fields - ‘One Milkali (One Blood)’ (Australia, 2024): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wzpp6996QdI

Dami Im - ‘Sound Of Silence’ (Australia, 2016): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ymFX91HwM0

Pearl Carr and Teddy Johnson - ‘Sing Little Birdie’ (United Kingdom, 1959) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0m4ADnfu91k

Teddy Scholten - ‘Een beetje’ (Netherlands 1959): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaEskI58tAM

Bryan Johnson - ‘Looking High, High, High’ (United Kingdom, 1960): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2GivwSboXM

Jacqueline Boyer - ‘Tom Pillibi’ (France, 1960): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oX_hlMchXvc

The Allisons - ‘Are You Sure?’ (United Kingdom, 1961): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIxU_XWUmf4

Jean-Claude Pascal - ‘Nous les amoureux’ (Luxembourg, 1961): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i87Vm2BOXL4

Matt Monro - ‘I Love The Little Things’ (United Kingdom, 1964): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OIkip05qu0

Gigliola Cinquetti - ‘Non ho l’età’ (Italy, 1964): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Utd9cHBPfRA

Kathy Kirby - ‘I Belong’ (United Kingdom, 1965): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeDI52bdntQ

France Gall - ‘Poupée de cire, poupée de son’ (Luxembourg, 1965): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyFnDf8PvmU

Cliff Richard - ‘Congratulations’ (United Kingdom, 1968): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xJcE9tnY6E

Massiel - ‘La La La’ (Spain, 1968):


Hosted by journalist and lifelong superfan Steven Perkins, Douze Points is a fortnightly podcast from Bingewatch that treats the Eurovision Song Contest with the same depth and passion as a critically acclaimed TV series. This isn't just a seasonal recap; it's a year-round analysis for anyone who sees the contest as a compelling mix of high-stakes music, cultural commentary, and unforgettable television. Each episode weaves together breaking news, historical deep dives, and exclusive interviews, all while building the narrative toward the next contest. The discussion naturally extends beyond the stage, exploring how Eurovision intersects with broader trends in film, music, and pop culture. Listeners are invited into a ongoing conversation where predictions are debated, history is unpacked, and fan theories are thoroughly examined. Whether dissecting a national final's production values or analyzing a past winner's lasting impact, the podcast provides a dedicated space for thoughtful fandom. Your perspectives are part of the mix, too, as the show actively incorporates listener insights and those hot takes that make the community so vibrant. Join Steven as he navigates the road to Basel 2025 and everything that happens along the way, offering a smart, engaging listen that celebrates the complexity and joy of Eurovision.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 94

Douze Points
Podcast Episodes
The Joost-ice System & Douze Points 2.0 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:34
In the latest episode of Douze Points, Steven Perkins is joined by producer Liam to discuss the future of the show, and how you can be part of it.PLUS, we bring you some breaking news updates, including some huge develop…
Where Are We Now? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:58
Hello Europe (and Australia)... we are back!Ok, it's been a tough season, and the Douze Points team have been doing some quiet reflection on the state of Eurovision and the future of the podcast. More on the latter very…
Eurovision 2024: GRAND FINAL IMMEDIATE REACTION [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:31
That's it - another year, another Eurovision, but with a lot of unique controversy and drama, how did it all play out? Who won? Who should have won? And what were the big surprises of the night?Join Steven Perkins and pr…
Eurovision Week 2024: Semi Final 2 Qualifiers and Reaction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:44
The second semi final has just ended, and the full lineup for Saturday's Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final is now complete. But who qualified? Who missed out? And why are we breaking our own promise not to give Israel…
Eurovision Week 2024: Semi Final 1 Winners, Surprises and Reaction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:40
The first semi-final of Eurovision 2024 has taken place in Malmo, Sweden, and our first 10 Grand Final qualifiers are confirmed, but who are they?Who were the standout performers on the night?And how does this affect our…
Encore: When Ireland Ruled Eurovision [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:21
In this special encore of a previous Douze Points episode, producer Liam introduces Steven's deep dive into Ireland's record-breaking success at the Eurovision Song Contest.Until recently, they held the unique distinctio…
Eurovision Week 2024: Schedule of Events and What to Expect [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:19
Eurovision week is finally here, and as the entertainment world descend on Malmo in Sweden, we know it's not always clear what's happening when. But fear not, Steven is here to explain all!If you love Eurovision as much…
Feature: Is the Big Five System Fair? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:25
On the final episode before Eurovision Week 2024, we take a closer look at why the Big Five - France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom - get a free pass to the final, and wonder if that's really fair?If you l…