Organisers rubbish UK media on Eurovision entry song offer to Russell Grant

The bizarre revelation was made in The Sun newspaper today which quoted a friend of Russell saying: “he was thrilled but a bit perplexed to be asked represent Malta as he has no link to the country.  The premise would be Russell singing and then breaking off into a dance with Flavia.”

The Sun’s report has been spiralled into various media across the UK and Ireland.

British media have suggested that representatives from Malta have asked Russel, if he wanted to “perform the country’s entry in 2012,” adding that the Maltese “want him to sing and then during his live performance dance with Flavia Cacace, his partner from ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.”

Russell – said to be flattered by the offer – says however, that he intends to decline “because he has ambitions of representing the UK at next year’s competition.”

‘Strictly Come Dancing’ singer Hayley Sanderson has written a track for Russell and preliminary discussions have been held with the BBC – who broadcast the competition - to find out if he can be put forward as a possible representative.

At one point Russell – who proved a massive hit with viewers when he competed on the ballroom dancing show - was also rumoured to be in the running to host the coverage of the event on BBC One. 

Contacted, Eurovision Malta chief organiser and PBS chief executive Anton Attard described the report as "absolute nonsense".

Attard explained that he didn't even know Russell Grant, however he did not exclude that the British media got it all wrong.

"Mr. Grant may have been contacted by any composer who would have offered him a song, and we do not go ninto that as long as the competition regulations are observed," Attard said.

He added that from the long list of entry submissions made to the organisers, Russell Grant's name never featured. The time for submissions has meanwhile been closed.