Pete Waterman to pen UK's Eurovision Song Contest entry

Hitmaker Pete Waterman will be behind the UK entry for this year's Eurovision Song Contest, it was announced today.

The studio wizard, who launched the career of Kylie Minogue among others, follows in the footsteps of Andrew Lloyd Webber, who created the 2009 effort.

Waterman has been responsible for producing and writing more than 200 hits in the past quarter of a century.

For many years the public was asked to vote for its favourite act and song, but last year, under Lloyd Webber, TV viewers chose an act through a talent show and the composer created a specially written track.

This year's song, which Waterman will write and produce, will be performed at Eurovision 2010, being held in Oslo, Norway, in May.

Details about the selection process for the act which will perform it will be announced at a later date.

Former Pop Idol judge Waterman said: "Eurovision is one of those iconic competitions that has stood the test of time and keeps coming up with great acts, great tunes and great performances.

"Life's full of challenges and I'm relishing the opportunity to put my own stamp on this one."

Last year's UK entry, Jade Ewen - now a member of Sugababes - came fifth.

Waterman has also been behind hits for Donna Summer, Geri Halliwell, Bananarama, Steps and Rick Astley.

Phil Parsons, executive producer of Eurovision for the BBC, said: "This year, with an extremely successful pop writer, the aim is to build on the UK's success while moving on in style and doing something different.

"Pete Waterman has an incredible track record of hits that are known all around Europe so we're thrilled that he has taken on Eurovision."