All Rise for the new British kings of Eurovision as Blue attempt to win back the nation’s pride in a competition that has embarrassed the UK for more than 10 years. Chris Price reports.

When Blue put the finishing touches on their single, I Can, they knew they had produced something fit to represent their country. How strange it was then that an email from the BBC arrived at the same time asking the band if they would like to take part in the Eurovision song contest, as the UK’s representatives.

Antony Costa, Duncan James, Simon Webbe and Chatham-born singer Lee Ryan decided to produce their first record in six years to celebrate 10 years since they burst on the scene with All Rise.

Having sold more than 13 million records, won two Brits and had 40 No.1 singles worldwide in their career, there was an irresistible lure to win back the Eurovision crown that has eluded the UK since Katrina and The Waves won back in 1997.

“This really does just feel like the beginning again,” said Lee, who co-wrote I Can, with Duncan.

“We had unfinished business,” said Duncan, who has spent recent years appearing in West End productions of Chicago and Legally Blonde.

“Simon, Lee and I went on holiday to Miami at the end of last year and realised that the 10-year anniversary was a great starting point for a new era. We’re still the best of friends. We’ve supported each other in everything we’ve done outside of the band, from acting to singing to playing night after night on the West End stage,” added Duncan.

It’s estimated 125 million people will watch the band performing in Dusseldorf for Eurovision on Saturday, May 14, with coverage in the UK presented by Graham Norton. Yet the band brush off suggestions their decision to go on the show is madness after the UK’s poor performances in recent years, including last place in 2010 with Josh Dubovie. In fact, bookmakers William Hill have made them second favourites behind France’s entry to win the competition.

“The BBC wanted to totally rethink the competition,” said Duncan, 33.

“They know that it’s losing its value for the home-grown audience, but it still gets more than nine million viewers here.

“They wanted to do it with a band who already made sense in Europe. It makes sense not just in terms of promoting a record that we’re all so proud of, but also to give something back to Britain, to think about changing the perception of the show.”

Eurovision is by no means a swan-song for the foursome, who have half an album ready to go and are champing at the bit to get back into the studio for more Blue action.

Kent lad Lee, 27, said: “We’re excited to be performing again in the UK and Europe and hope that the fans who supported us before will embrace our new songs.”

Simon, 32, said: “And every time we’ve been in a room together, the four of us notice something happens to people around us. I don’t know what it is, but something just makes sense about Blue again.”

If I Can is anything to go by then the boys are telling the truth. Made into a 21st century pop gem by producers Starsign in Norway, it references Blue’s familiar sound but updates it as well. The hands-aloft breakdown moment in the middle eight already sounds like a moment of Never Forget-type, lads-together pride. It is a uniting anthem sure to translate across the continent.

Antony, 29, added: “We hope you all love I Can and that it reaches out to a whole new audience in our bid to do Britain proud.”

Blue represent the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest in Dusseldorf on Saturday, May 14. The programme is on BBC1 from 8pm to 11.15pm.