Who is Olly Alexander? Meet the popstar representing Britain in Eurovision 2024 who plans to ‘fly the flag for the UK in the gayest way possible’

Years & Years frontman Olly Alexander has confirmed he will represent Great Britain at the Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden next year.

The successful singer and actor made the announcement on Saturday during the live final of Strictly Come Dancing as the audience cheered along.

He has pledged to 'raise the flag for Great Britain in the most cheerful way possible' and said his Eurovision show will be a 'wild ride'.

Who exactly is Olly Alexander? Read on below for everything you need to know about the pop star representing Britain at Eurovision 2024.

Who is Olly Alexander?

Oliver Alexander Thornton, who identifies as non-binary and uses he/him pronouns, is an English singer and actor.

He was born in Harrogate, North Yorkshire and is 33 years old, born on 15 July 1990.

Olly, who is openly gay, rose to prominence as the lead singer of the pop band Years & Years.

Which songs is Olly best known for?

Olly is the singer of the pop band Years & Years, which was formed in 2010 and has been nominated six times for the Brit Awards.

The band achieved two number one albums in the UK Albums Chart, a number one single and five top ten entries in the UK Singles Chart.

Their debut single 'I Wish I Knew' was released on the Good Bait label in July 2012.

Years & Years' most successful single 'King' went straight to number one in the UK Single Chart in March 2015 and has amassed over 457 million streams on Spotify to date.

Their debut studio album, Communion, was released on July 10, 2015 and reached number 1 in the UK Albums Chart.

Their most popular songs include If You're Over Me, Desire and Sanctify.

Olly is the lead singer of the pop band Years & Years, which formed in 2010, and has been nominated six times for the Brit Awards

As well as topping the charts with Years & Years, Olly has also made a name for himself as an actor, leading the cast of Channel 4's award-winning drama It's A Sin.

What has Olly been in?

As well as topping the charts with Years & Years, Olly has also made a name for himself as an actor, leading the cast of Channel 4's award-winning drama It's A Sin.

In 2017, he presented a BBC Three documentary called Growing Up Gay, which explored the mental health issues that members of the LGBT+ community can face.

He also appeared in several episodes of Celebrity Gogglebox.

Olly's film credits include starring roles in Gulliver's Travels, Great Expectations and The Riot Club, while on TV he has appeared in SKins, Penny Dreadful and Lewis.

Does Olly Alexander have a partner?

In 2015, Olly was in a relationship with Clean Bandit musician Neil Milan Amin-Smith.

However, the couple split at the end of the year due to scheduling conflicts with their respective careers.

Olly told Attitude at the time: 'We've had less and less time to spend together and the time we had together was in such short bursts that it put so much strain on our relationship,' adding that they 'both decided it was so used to be. did not work'.

It is unknown whether Olly is currently in a relationship.

In 2015, Olly was in a relationship with Clean Bandit musician Neil Milan Amin-Smith

Olly will represent Great Britain at the Eurovision Song Contest next year

Olly has confirmed he will represent Great Britain at next year's Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden and has vowed to 'raise the flag of Great Britain in the most cheerful way possible'.

The singer made the announcement during the live final of Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday as the audience cheered along.

After bursting through the golden curtain to reveal the voting terms for the dance show final, Olly then shared his news as Claudia said: 'On behalf of everyone we are so lucky to have you.

“I know everything is secret, but can you tell us something?”

Olly replied: 'I'm planning it now, it's going to be spectacular. I love Eurovision, I'm so excited, it's going to be amazing.'

In a statement, Olly added: 'I've loved watching the Eurovision Song Contest since I was a little kid and I'm beyond excited to take part next year.

'As a young boy I always looked forward to this incredible event of unbridled joy, the wonderfully chaotic mix of musical styles, theatrical performances, genuine emotion and humour.'

Olly, who identifies as non-binary and uses he/him pronouns, added: 'I really can't believe I get to be part of such a special legacy and fly the flag of Great Britain in the most joyful way will hoist. it will be an honor!

'I've wanted to do this for a long time and it feels like the right time to release music under my own name.

'I am determined to give it everything I have and deliver an excellent and unforgettable performance for all of you!'

Olly has confirmed he will represent Great Britain at next year's Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden and has vowed to 'raise the flag of Great Britain in the most cheerful way possible'

The singer made the announcement during the live final of Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday as the audience cheered along

BBC bosses will no doubt be hoping to turn Britain's fortunes around after Mae Muller failed to impress the crowd at the Liverpool match earlier this year, where she finished second.

According to The Sun, Olly has pitched a catchy song written by producer Danny L Harle, the mastermind behind Dua Lipa's latest hit Houdini.

A source told the publication: 'It's a dream come true for Olly. Things aren't completely locked down, but he's a favorite with bosses.

'Olly has been saying he wants to give it a go – and after working with Danny on the song he thinks we have a great opportunity.

He added: 'He is aware that people say no common sense establishment would appear on the show because of its record in Britain, but as far as he is concerned that is just snobbery.'