A BOOKMAKER has backed the UK's entry, a singer-songwriter from Essex, as its fourth favourite to win this year's Eurovision.

Singer-songwriter Sam Ryder will be performing his viral song Space Man next month at the contest's grand final in Turin, Italy.

Ryder hails from Maldon and found fame covering songs on TikTok during the coronavirus pandemic.

He was chosen as this year’s UK entry with the song he co-wrote alongside Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Amy Wadge and Max Wolfgang.

Space Man has been described as a "solidly written", uplifting pop song.

Read more >>> TikTok star from Maldon revealed as UK entry for this year's Eurovision

In light of the UK’s nul points last year, James Ryder from the Telegraph said: "Ryder represents our greatest hope of rising from the Eurovision ashes for years.

"Not only can he sing, but he can perform too thanks to his time on the metal circuit and in Nashville. He has charisma.

"Picking him is a clever move."

Bookmakers William Hill think Ryder's in for a chance of winning for the first time since 1997, pricing the UK at 10-1.

This sees us as the current fourth favourite to win in the Eurovision market. 

Ukraine is the current favourite to win with Italy second, priced at 7-2, after their win last year with rock band Måneskin and their track Zitti E Buoni.

The favourite's Kalush Orchestra will perform Stefania at the competition.

Duo Mahmood and Blanco will represent the hosting country this year with Brividi.

Following closely behind Italy is Sweden, tipped 6-1, hailed as one of Eurovision’s most successful contenders having won the contest six times and making it into the top five 24 times.

This year they’ll be represented by Cornelia Jakobs with Hold Me Closer.

Amongst the lesser favoured to take this year’s title include Slovenia, Bulgaria and Ireland, which are all priced at 300-1 to win.

Eurovision kicks off on Tuesday, May 10 with the grand final on Saturday, May 14.