Granted, most of the time our embarrassing display on the Eurovision Song Contest scoreboard is no-one's fault but our own (we're looking at you, Jemini). But throughout history, there have been times when we've blessed Europe with the perfect winning song only to have victory cruelly snatched away. Here are eight of those times.
1. Gina G
Year: 1996
Song: 'Ooh Aah... Just A Little Bit'
Ranking: 8th
Why we were robbed: Gina G's '90s banger was an international hit and actually went on to pick up a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording. To this day, it's our most recent Eurovision entry to top the UK charts.
2. Frances Ruffelle
Year: 1994
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Song: 'Lonely Symphony (We Will Be Free)'
Ranking: 10th
Why we were robbed: Frances Ruffelle's stab at Eurovision had all the ingredients of a winning song. A killer vocal, a big, rousing chorus and an uplifting message. Maybe it was the headpiece that distracted people.
3. Sonia
Year: 1993
Song: 'Better The Devil You Know'
Ranking: 2nd
Why we were robbed: Pinching a song title from Kylie Minogue was almost enough to see Sonia bring it home for the UK in 1993. Somehow, Ireland pipped us to the post despite our finest Wham! vibes and Sonia killing it in her purple jumpsuit.
4. Cliff Richard
Year: 1968
Song: 'Congratulations'
Ranking: 2nd
Why we were robbed: Legend has it Cliff was so nervous when it came to voting, he locked himself in the loo. He had to settle for second place when Spain won for the first time, but controversy soon followed when it emerged the country had attempted to buy votes. Robbed.
5. Jade Ewen
Year: 2009
Song: 'It's My Time'
Ranking: 5th
Why we were robbed: A rare noughties find in which we actually take the competition seriously and come out with something the rest of Europe doesn't loathe us for.
6. Imaani
Year: 1998
Song: 'Where Are You?'
Ranking: 2nd
Why we were robbed: Imaani brought some Nottingham soul to Birmingham when the UK hosted Eurovision following Katrina and the Waves' win. A mere six points stopped us from being named victors two years running, and Israel walked away with the title.
7. Mary Hopkin
Year: 1970
Song: 'Knock Knock Who's There?'
Ranking: 2nd
Why we were robbed: Mary proved what you can do with simplicity and a catchy chorus. Just imagine what our sexually aggressive 2007 entry Scooch would have done with the lyric: "Take off your coat and come inside."
8. Love City Groove
Year: 1995
Song: 'Love City Groove'
Ranking: 10th
Why we were robbed: BANGER.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2019 final will be on BBC One, Saturday, May 18 at 8pm.
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