Olly Alexander was seen departing his hotel alongside fellow Eurovision finalists in Malmo, Sweden ahead of Saturday’s final.
The singer, 33, who has ‘incredibly low odds’ at winning the competition, is representing the United Kingdom with his hit Dizzy in the final tonight.
This year’s competition has been thrown into chaos just hours before the finale air after Dutch contender Joost Klein, 26, was axed from the contest.
But remaining in positive spirts, UK act Olly couldn’t wipe the smile off his face as he headed to the final dress rehearsal before the real thing.
Hoping to take home tonight’s win, Finland’s act Windows95Man, real name Teemu Keisteri, turned heads in his multi-coloured fur coat as he departed his hotel.
Olly Alexander, 33, was seen departing his hotel alongside fellow Eurovision finalists in Malmo, Sweden ahead of Saturday’s final
Hoping to take home tonight’s win, Finland’s act Windows95Man, real name Teemu Keisteri, turned heads in his multi-coloured fur coat as he departed his hotel
Nemo Mettler, 24, who is representing Switzerland, was swarmed by fans and protected by his security as he left his hotel.
Italy’s act Angelina Mango, 23, looked stylish in oversized denim jeans, chunky black boots and a statement coat.
Bambie Thug, 31, who is representing Ireland in the competition, cut a unique figure in pink slipper-like shoes and wore special FX make-up.
Singing duo Nebulossa Mery Bas, 56, and Mark Dasousa, 50, who are performing for Spain, kept close to one another on the outing.
Israel’s Eurovision contestant Eden Golan, who has faced backlash for her appearance in the competition, wasn’t seen departing the hotel.
Joost was quizzed by police over an incident involving ‘a female member of the production crew’.
Entering with the song Europapa, a tribute to his late parents, the 26-year-old Dutch rapper and singer had qualified for the grand final on Thursday evening at the Malmo Arena venue in Sweden but will no longer be allowed to compete.
His participation was already in doubt after he failed to perform at two dress rehearsals on Friday, with Swedish police later announcing it was investigating the singer following a complaint made by ‘a female member of the production crew’ over an incident after his semi-final performance.
This year’s competition has been thrown into chaos just hours before the finale air after Dutch contender Joost Klein, 26, (pictured) was axed from the contest
But remaining in positive spirts, UK act Olly couldn’t wipe the smile off his face as he headed to the final dress rehearsal before the real thing
Windows95man looked fit and ready to take part in tonight’s final
Italy’s act Angelina Mango, 23, looked stylish in oversized denim jeans, chunky black boots and a statement coat
Singer Angelina was greeted by dozens of fans on her departure
Nemo Mettler, 24, who is representing Switzerland, was swarmed by fans and protected by his security as he left his hotel
Bambie Thug, 31, who is representing Ireland in the competition, cut a unique figure in pink slipper-like shoes and wore special FX make-up
Singing duo Nebulossa Mery Bas, 56, and Mark Dasousa, 50, who are performing for Spain, kept close to one another on the outing
Years and Years singer Olly is representing the United Kingdom with his hit Dizzy in the final tonight
This latest development has only plunged the show into further chaos, with organisers already on high alert for tonight’s final, having erected a huge ring of steel barriers around the competition venue in preparation for a planned protest.
There is also a heavy police presence as thousands of pro-Palestine protesters are set to descend on the Swedish city of Malmo, Sweden, where the final is taking place, to reiterate calls to ban Israeli singer Eden from competing.
Eden has become a lightning rod for criticism from protesters who have demanded she be excluded from the competition, while others have called for a boycott of the famous song contest and a ceasefire in the seven-month war in Gaza.
The 20-year-old contestant has also been preparing for a fiery reception herself as she was filmed rehearsing her power ballad Hurricane while other members of her team try to throw her off with loud boos and pro-Palestinian chants.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced on Saturday that Klein would no longer be competing just hours before the final is set to take place.
A statement from the EBU said: ‘The Dutch artist Joost Klein will not be competing in the Grand Final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
‘Swedish police have investigated a complaint made by a female member of the production crew after an incident following his performance in Thursday night’s Semi Final.
‘While the legal process takes its course, it would not be appropriate for him to continue in the Contest.
Joost was quizzed by police over an incident involving ‘a female member of the production crew’
‘We would like to make it clear that, contrary to some media reports and social media speculation, this incident did not involve any other performer or delegation member.
‘We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour at our event and are committed to providing a safe and secure working environment for all staff at the Contest.
‘In light of this, Joost Klein’s behaviour towards a team member is deemed in breach of Contest rules.
‘The Grand Final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest will now proceed with 25 participating songs.’
The Dutch singer was one of the bookies’ favourites to win the contest with his playful pop-rap song Europapa which mixes tunes of pop with happy hardcore and was described by one critic as being ‘so bad’ it will ‘put you off music forever’.
