Eurovision 2014: Who is the UK's entry? Molly Smitten-Downes to represent Britain

Singer-songwriter will perform her own song 'Children of the Universe'

(BBC/PA)

Molly Smitten-Downes has been selected to represent the UK at the Eurovision song contest this year.

The singer-songwriter from Leicester, who goes by her first name “Molly”, was relatively unknown until she was scouted by the BBC to represent the UK.

The 27-year-old wrote her Eurovision entry “Children of the Universe” herself, and has since signed a record deal with Warner UK.

Meet the Eurovision 2014 contestants

Initial public reception suggests Molly could be Britain’s most popular Eurovision entry in years.

The UK will be crossing its fingers on Saturday 10 May that she does better than recent British Eurovision entries Bonnie Tyler (19th), Engelbert Humperdinck (25th), Blue (11th) and Josh Dubovie (25th).

She released an official video for her Eurovision entry yesterday, which you can watch below:

Molly has previously supported artists including Jake Bugg, Tinie Tempah, Labrinth, Bombay Bicycle Club and Chase n Status.

She also won the best Urban/Pop category at the Live and Unsigned contest in 2012, and has already had a top 10 hit in 2008 when she sang on Sash's "Raindrops (Encore Une Fois)".

Watch some of her other performances:

Molly will be singing alongside 19 other finalists during the grand Eurovision finale on 10 May in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The UK is automatically guaranteed a place in the grand final alongside France, Germany, Italy and Spain due to their financial contribution to the singing contest.

What we know about Molly Smitten-Downes

1. She is 27 and from Leicestershire

2. She has supported artists including Jake Bugg, Tinie Tempah, Labrinth, Bombay Bicycle Club and Chase n Status

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3. She won the best Urban/Pop category at the Live and Unsigned contest in 2012

4. She had a top 10 hit in 2008 when she sang on Sash’s “Raindrops (Encore Une Fois)”

5. She also sang on Swedish DJ Basshunter’s 2009 album Bass Generation

6. She likes Popchips and Coconut Water

7. She won best song at Best of British Unsigned Music Awards 2013

8. She is a fan of HAIM and has seen them live

9. She thinks Choco Leibniz are the best biscuits in the world, putting her in a strong position with German voters

10. She has her nose pierced

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