TIKTOK star Sam Ryder said he is focusing on not being "overwhelmed by the nerves" in the "hectic" lead-up to the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest.

The 32-year-old from Maldon will represent the UK in Turin, Italy, tomorrow (May 14) with his uplifting pop song Space Man.

He co-wrote the track with Grammy-winning songwriter Amy Wadge, who has previously worked with Ed Sheeran and Max Wolfgang.

Speaking ahead of the final, Sam said: "I'm excited, I'm trying to be focused about it and just getting nice and practiced singing-wise and getting in the right headspace for it.

"It's really hectic in the lead-up, so I think it's important just to try and find that focus and balance, and just remember that it's all about the singing, three minutes of singing."

Read more >>> 'There's no experience like it' - Maldon star's countdown to Eurovision final

The singer-songwriter also revealed he has been getting advice from previous UK entrants of the competition ahead of the final.

"They gave me some tips and pointers and the main thing that keeps coming back is to just enjoy every moment of it, because it's such a wonderful circus being a part of Eurovision and it's unlike anything else in the world that you can do," Sam added.

"So I'm trying my best, like I said at the beginning, to stay focused and present and not getting too overwhelmed by the nerves. So that I can breathe in every moment." 

When will he perform? 

We now know the running order of the acts which will perform tomorrow.

Czech Republic will open the night and Estonia will be the final country on the stage.

The UK's Sam will be the 22nd artist to take to the stage, in between Australia’s Sheldon Riley and Poland’s Ochman.

The show's 22nd performer has won twice since 2010 with Germany's Lena being crowned that year and Israel’s Netta winning in 2018.

And the odds appear to be in the UK's favour this year, as Sam is the current second favourite to win according to Eurovision World.

Ukraine is the favourite to win with Kalush Orchestra.

The Eurovision 2022 final airs on Saturday at 8pm on BBC One, BBC Radio 2 and BBC iPlayer.