Eurovision 2024 viewers say 'at least' as Dame Joanna Lumley represents UK's jury vote

Fans were delighted to see Dame Joanne Lumley appear on screen as she revealed the UK's jury vote during the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest. But the country she named appeared to be a surprise to those tuning into the 68th edition of the contest on Saturday night (May 11).

Following Loreen’s victory in Liverpool in 2023 with the song Tattoo, the 2024 run of the world's biggest music event took place in Sweden, more specifically Malmo Arena in the coastal city in southern Sweden. It is the seventh time Sweden has hosted the world's biggest music event and also happened to fall 50 years after Abba won the competition with their hit track, Waterloo.

Representing the UK was Olly Alexander. The Years and Years singer and actor was the 12th act to perform at the Malmo Arena with the song Dizzy, with him still classed as 13th in the running order despite only 25 actors taking to the stage after the Netherlands' withdrawal.

READ MORE: Eurovision 2024 final LIVE: Results and updates as voting begins after performances finish

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His performance, which featured upside-down dressing room staging and cameras rotating to give a spinning feel to Olly and the dancers, went smoothly after his mic pack fell off earlier in the week.

But speaking after Olly's performance in the final, Graham Norton, who was leading coverage for the UK on BBC One, said: "Wow what a great job."

The commentator and Eurovision icon said there was clapping in the commentary booth, adding: "Oh, the reaction in the arena is sensational, if only they could vote! Maybe they will later." He continued: "That is terrific, we don’t know how it will do because it is so different to everything else in the contest tonight."

Once all 25 acts had performed, fans still had time to vote - but not for their own countries - after the vote opened before any act had taken to the stage. Once closed, it was over to the 37 individual countries to reveal their jury votes.

And it was Absolutely Fabulous icon Dame Joanna who announced the results for the UK. She gripped a glass of champagne while announcing the jury votes with a backdrop of the Tower of London and made reference to last year’s Eurovision in Liverpool before describing Sweden’s hosting of this year’s event as “fabulous”.

But while fans were thrilled to see the actress, presenter and activist on screen, they were a bit baffled by the UK's "douze point" going to Portugal whose act Iolanda Costa performed their song, Grito.

@lafurse said: "We gave 12 points to Portugal???? Jeez. At least Joanna Lumley remains absolutely fabulous #Eurovision2024." @MoiraHancock6 commented: "Dame Joanna Lumley is a class act, but Portugal? Really?!?! #Eurovision2024." @FrankieMaguire posted: "Give 12 points to Joanna Lumley. She's great. But hang about, UK jury giving 12 points to that Portugal entry? Who TF are the jury!? Madness. #Eurovision2024."

@TheStevenThomas wrote: "What did they just make Joanna say? Portugal?? #Eurovision2024." @GiffordAnt shared: "Joanna Lumley is LEGENDARY #Eurovision2024 12 POINTS for Portugal is err..." @Ravenclawsome89 added: "Joanna Lumley the icon! But...really UK jury...Portugal?! #Eurovision2024."