Olly Alexander’s Road to Eurovision ’24: Former Years & Years frontman is going solo for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024

The UK was getting a singer with a proven track record – as the frontman of Years & Years, he’d scored two number one UK albums and 10 UK Top 40 singles.

And for Olly, it was the chance to start a new era in his career by fulfilling a lifelong dream. He said: “I’ve loved watching Eurovision ever since I was a little kid and I’m beyond excited to be taking part next year. As a young boy I always looked forward to this incredible event of unbridled joy, the wonderfully chaotic mix of musical styles, theatrical performances, heartfelt emotion and humour.

“I really can’t believe I’m going to be a part of such a special legacy and fly the flag for the UK in the gayest way possible, it shall be an honour!

He added: “I’ve wanted to do this for a long time and it feels like the right moment to start releasing music under my own name. I’m determined to give it everything I’ve got and put on an excellent and unforgettable performance for you all!”

His track, Dizzy was unveiled in March. Olly says: “I wrote the song last summer with Danny L Harle, we started off with the word ‘Dizzy’ because it just popped into my head and I liked it. I was thinking about fun things that could make you dizzy and I remember saying ‘dizzy from your kisses’ so the song is about feeling such an intense swell of emotion for someone they totally turn your world upside down and inside out.”

Since then, he’s been caught up in promotional whirlwind, which has even included a cameo in his mum’s favourite programme, EastEnders.

But has the experience been as joyous as Olly hoped? On the same night that he takes to the stage for Eurovision Semi-Final (although as the UK is one of the so-called ‘Big Five’, he’s already guaranteed a spot in Saturday’s final), this documentary explores his journey.

It follows him as he juggles press attention and performs at Eurovision Pre-Parties in Madrid and London, all while preparing for the big event at the Malmö Arena in Sweden.

As a huge Eurovision fan, he’s determined to create a spectacular performance, which means gruelling choreography and vocal sessions.

There are also some unexpected pressures, as Olly is called on by protestors to boycott the competition in response to Israel’s participation. He issued a statement in March, saying: “We firmly believe in the unifying power of music, enabling people to transcend differences and foster meaningful conversations and connections.

“We feel it is our duty to create and uphold this space, with a strong hope that it will inspire greater compassion and empathy.”

However, as the documentary reveals, the subsequent debate on social media and in the press takes its toll on Olly at a time when his Eurovision dream should be about to come true.