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Last year, they got the historic Eurovision slap: Now TikTok star must regain Britain's honor | Culture | DR Great Britain flopped badly at last year's Eurovision final. This year, they are among the winning favorites. Of Zero. So many points Britain managed to scrape together at last year's Eurovision final. In fact, the British contribution was so unpopular that singer James Newman failed to collect any points from either professional juries or TV viewers in the 38 countries, who could vote for Britain.The disappointing result, which is the worst ever in the competition's 66-year history, sent shock waves through Britain, giving the TV channel something to ponder. around zero in last year's Eurovision final: But now Britain wants to return to the heat. Therefore, this year has put all sails into the pursuit of a top spot and hired a music company that has previously worked with world stars such as Dua Lipa and Lana Del Rey, to to find this year's British Eurovision hope. The choice has fallen on the 32-year-old musician Sam Ryder, who is especially known from TikTok, where he has more than 12 million followers.- When I was asked, I thought s traks: "I'm definitely going to do this." There are so few people who get such an offer, so you have to be happy for it. But there was also one where I thought: "But what if I get zero points? What if it ruins my career?", Sam Ryder said during this year's Eurovision rehearsals. Despite the worries, Sam Ryder still accepted the job. and must now try to re-establish the British Eurovision honor with the song 'Space Man' .- I actually do not feel a pressure on my shoulders, because it can only go better (than last year). If only we get one point this year, then you should see me partying! 2021: 26th place (last place) 2019: 26th place (last place) 2018: 24th place2017: 15th place2016: 24th place2015: 24th place2014: 17th place2013: 19th place2012: 25th place (second last place) 2011: 11th place2010: 25th place (last place) And there is also a bit to make up for. Last year's failure was far from a lone swallow for the otherwise mighty music nation. In the last 19 years, Britain has been number last five times and has only managed to sneak into the top ten once back in 2009. Among the British are they poor results have for years been justified by the fact that the other European countries will not vote for Britain for political reasons. is an associate professor at Aarhus University and has researched the interplay between Eurovision and big politics. When the group Jemini in 2003 landed in last place - also with the famous zero points - the British thought that the flop was one of Britain's involvement in the Iraq war. And when the duo Joe & Jake finished in 24th place in 2016, Brexit was blamed. According to Lisanne Wilken, the British often resort to political excuses because it does not fit into many people's self-understanding when they repeatedly end up at the bottom of the world. biggest music competition.- In many Britons there is still a notion that they have a moral right to win because they were the ones who created The Beatles, David Bowie and Queen. They are a powerful music nation, and therefore they should also win Eurovision, many believe. The problem is, they do not send The Beatles and Elton John to Eurovision, do they? But then you can always explain away that it is all political, she says. This year's Eurovision hope, Sam Ryder, agrees that many Britons have a distorted picture of the reason for the poor rankings of recent years. - I refuse to join me in the idea that the rest of Europe hates Britain. It has not been my experience; I have only been greeted with kindness, warmth and love, he has to the press present at this year's Eurovision.- I think the British are sticking to the negative narrative because that is what we go and tell ourselves. But here we are also talking about a country where the weather is always bad. Then we talk about it all the time, and then it (negativity) over time becomes the very core of our culture. This year, however, it suggests that the British have the opportunity to turn the tide. Right now, Sam Ryder is one of the best-tipped winning candidates ahead of Saturday's show, and is in writing right on the heels of this year's big winning favorite, Ukraine, with the bookmakers. - I am of course very happy and grateful for the good odds. But what I focus on is that this can hopefully create a more positive atmosphere around Eurovision in the UK, because people are now backing our song, says Sam Ryder. - My hope is not to get high on the scoreboard, but that change people's attitudes. Imagine if you could? It's the first prize in my eyes. Listen to the British contribution 'Space Man' here: Sam Ryder - Space Man0: 00And it will also be something of a sensation if Great Britain were to go and win Saturday's Eurovision final. The last time this happened was 25 years ago, when the group Katrina and the Waves won with the song '', which went on to become a national scourge throughout Europe. Wilken.- Of course, one event will not move the discourse forever, but it will clearly make a difference to the British perception of Eurovision if they won or just came in the top five this year, she says - albeit with a raised index finger: - But let us see. First they have to win, and then they have to be able to keep the good shoal. Because if they go and stay last again for next year, then we are back to square one. The UK has won Eurovision five times in the past. See who Sam Ryder should try to make art after: