Sam Ryder’s 2022 hit Space Man has been voted as the Ultimate UK Eurovision Song by BBC Radio 2 listeners.
Fans of the station voted last year’s runner-up as the nation’s favourite ever entry, ahead of Making Your Mind Up by Bucks Fizz at two and Ooh Aah… Just A Little Bit from Gina G at three.
“This is just bonkers,” says Sam. “We went into that competition as fans and we thought it may be that we come absolutely dead last. But what we can achieve is holding ourselves with a certain grace and respect for being there in the first place, and gratitude first and foremost.
“When we were sat there on the night and those scores started coming in, we were looking at each other bursting out laughing because we didn’t have a clue that would happen. And now this result! I’m just so grateful.”
He continues: “Thanks to all of the listeners who voted and everyone at Radio 2 who supported the song from day one – I really honestly appreciate it.”
The full Top 40 countdown hosted by Steve Wright is available on BBC Sounds from Monday, April 24 and broadcast on Radio 2 on Saturday, May 13 from 1-3pm BST.
The Top 40, as voted by Radio 2 listeners, is below.
1. Sam Ryder – Space Man (2022)
2. Bucks Fizz – Making Your Mind Up (1981)
3. Gina G – Ooh Aah… Just a Little Bit (1996)
4. Katrina and the Waves – Love Shine a Light (1997)
5. Brotherhood of Man – Save Your Kisses for Me (1976)
6. Sandie Shaw – Puppet on a String (1967)
7. Cliff Richard – Congratulations (1968)
8. The New Seekers – Beg, Steal or Borrow (1972)
9. Lulu – Boom Bang-a-Bang (1969)
10. Michael Ball – One Step Out of Time (1992)
11. Sonia – Better the Devil You Know (1993)
12. Bardo – One Step Further (1982)
13. Scooch – Flying the Flag (For You) (2007)
14. Mary Hopkin – Knock, Knock Who’s There? (1970)
15. Imaani – Where Are You? (1998)
16. Olivia Newton-John – Long Live Love (1974)
17. Daz Sampson – Teenage Life (2006)
18. Cliff Richard – Power to All Our Friends (1973)
19. Lucie Jones – Never Give Up on You (2017)
20. Lynsey de Paul & Mike Moran – Rock Bottom (1977)
21. Love City Groove – Love City Groove (1995)
22. Blue – I Can (2011)
23. The Shadows – Let Me Be the One (1975)
24. Clodagh Rodgers – Jack in the Box (1971)
25. SuRie – Storm (2018)
26. Frances Ruffelle – Lonely Symphony (We Will Be Free) (1994)
27. The Allisons – Are You Sure? (1961)
28. Molly – Children of the Universe (2014)
29. Jade Ewen – It’s My Time (2009)
30. Jessica Garlick – Come Back (2002)
31. Precious – Say It Again (1999)
32. James Newman – Embers (2021)
33. Sweet Dreams – I’m Never Giving Up (1983)
34. Co-Co – The Bad Old Days (1978)
35. Belle and the Devotions – Love Games (1984)
36. Scott Fitzgerald – Go (1988)
37. Samantha Janus – A Message to Your Heart (1991)
38. Jemini – Cry Baby (2003)
39. Electro Velvet – Still in Love with You (2015)
40. Bonnie Tyler – Believe in Me (2013)
