Eurovision fans were left on the edge of their seats last night as the points came in from countries across Europe during the emotional Song Contest final.
Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra won the Eurovision Song Contest, soaring to first place with 631 points in a symbolic show of public support following the country's invasion by Russia.
Singer-songwriter Sam Ryder gave an electrifying performance of his hit single Space Man and came in second place with an impressive 466 points, marking the UK’s best result in over 20 years.
As the jury points were cast during the finale in Turin, former Eurovision winner Linda Martin called into the show to deliver Ireland’s points.
Marking 30 years since she stormed to win the Eurovision final, the 70-year-old ‘Why Me?’ hitmaker read out Ireland’s verdict to Europe.
The Eurovision star couldn’t help but shout out her own triumph during her presentation, which left fans divided.
Taking to Twitter, one wrote: “Going to be hard to top Linda Martin giving her Eurovision win in the 90s a shout out over world peace. Some woman.”
Another weighed in saying: “Linda Martin giving her own win a shout out <3” as another posted: “Linda Martin reminded everyone of her win 30 years ago.”
A fourth added: “Dame Linda Martin’s 2 minutes of airtime - absolutely gave me life!!!”
Meanwhile, other Eurovision viewers took to Twitter to comment on the singer’s hilarious “mannerisms” amid a poor connection to the studio in Italy from her presenting spot in Ireland, which left a delay in the broadcast.
One Eurovision viewer wrote: “Linda Martin had some interesting hand movements going on there.”
Another joked: “Linda Martin is so funny. I think she thought she was conducting an orchestra”
A third said: “Linda Martin's nail varnish didn't dry in time.”
"Linda Martin’s mannerisms are giving Aunt Sarah from Derry Girls hahahaha," a fourth added.
UK Eurovision act Sam Ryder celebrated his dramatic second place win in Eurovision 2022 in Italy alongside Rylan Clark and Scott Mills, after reversing a long decline in the UK’s fortunes.
The former construction worker celebrated his incredible second place finish in the final with radio presenter Scott and TV presenter Rylan, who watched the final together in the Turin audience.
In a video posted to Twitter, the three were seen with their arms around each other as Sam beamed to the camera.
He said amid chants for the UK in the background: “Just destroyed the stigma! Thanks everyone for supporting. That was an incredible, incredible, rewarding journey. I hope you enjoyed it!”
Rylan joined in the chanting while pulling Sam away, as Scott blew a kiss at the camera.
In another video shared by Scott to his Twitter followers, Sam said it was “job done” after the dramatic Eurovision result.
