Eurovision 2016 UK acts - live: BBC announce the six contestants hoping to sing for Queen and Country

Expect numerous pop ballads...

Joe and Jake; Eurovision hopefuls (BBC/Eurovision)

It is that time of the year again when Europeans (and Australians) come together: it is the Eurovision song contest 2016.

Things are already heating up here in the UK, with the first contenders for the country's official song having been revealed.

As with nearly all our entries, the first is a pop song, once again performed by failed reality TV show contenders and written by a crack team of pop aficionados.

“You’re Not Alone,” a pop ballad that sounds like a pound shop version of a One Direction hit, is sung by ex-Voice series four contestants Joe and Jake.

At the time, they were both up against each other but have teamed up for this song about ‘dedication… and it reflects how unified they are as an act’. Listen below.

Up next is Bianca with "Shine a Little Light", another big pop song, co-written by X-Factor finalist Leona Lewis.

Bianca was once a member of the band Parade who supported the likes of The Black Eyed Peas and Shakira.

Third, we have Dulcima and Tom with "When You Go", a strange folky-Euro-pop. This one is the most abrasive so far, sounding the least like a song written in the UK.

But then again, has the UK ever been known for its pop offerings? Surely we should be showing off our collection of fantastic up-and-coming bands, right?

Fourth, we have Matthew James with "A Better Man", a plodding pop-song featuring a big drum roll before the chorus.

With thick-rimmed glasses, top button done up and a classy hat, perhaps he is going for the hipster vote?

Fifth in line to sing for the UK is country duo Darline with their fairly average "Until Tomorrow" featuring the lyrics "Hold on to me / and I'll hold onto you / and I won't let go".

According to the Beeb, it is co-written by Eastenders actress Martine McCutcheon's husband. That really is a fun fact.

The final hopeful is Karl William Lund with his song "Miracle". Not only does he look a bit like Olly Murs, but he even sounds like him.

Chorus is made up of lots of "Oh - Oh - Ohs", making this is a bonafide hit and sure winner here.

Still, they're not as bad as last year. Remember? It was that appalling electro-song by the forgettable Electro Velvet. Since last year’s competition, the duo has apparently released an EP via PledgeMusic, and that’s about it. Perhaps being a Eurovision singer is a kiss of death to your career rather than a platform to launch it? But then again, ABBA once competed. And Blue.