Fans prepare for Eurovision final

Musical acts from across Europe are preparing to battle it out in the final of this year's Eurovision Song Contest in Dusseldorf, Germany.

Newly re-formed boy band Blue are representing the UK with their song, I Can.

Ireland's entry is Jedward, the teenage twins who found fame on The X Factor, after they qualified in the second semi-final on
Thursday.

Armenia’s contestant Emmy failed in the first semi-final with her Boom-Boom.

It was announced in January that Blue would perform at Eurovision on behalf of the UK.

The group, best known for hits such as One Love and All Rise, formed in 2000 before disbanding five years later.

But their decision to participate in the contest has been criticised by their former manager Daniel Glatman, who described their choice as "reckless insanity".

Simon Webbe, one of the band's members, told Radio 1 Newsbeat that they did not agree with his comments.

"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Obviously we don't agree with him. We believe this is going to be the best springboard for us to come back on."

The UK has not won Eurovision since 1997, when Katrina and the Waves triumphed with Love Shine a Light.

Last year Josh Dubovie, 19, came last in the competition. His song, That Sounds Good to Me which was penned by record producer Pete Waterman, scored 10 points.

Blue are among 25 acts in Saturday's grand final, including last year's winner Lena Mayer-Landrut, who will again represent Germany.