Eurovision winning Bucks Fizz member, Jay Aston, says Mae Muller will do well in this weekend's final in Liverpool - but doesn't think she will win.
Jay sat down with Sky Bingo in an exclusive interview to discuss the upcoming 2023 Eurovision Song Contest and her experiences winning the competition for the UK in 1981.
Jay said: “I wish Mae all the luck, but I don’t think it’s a winner if I’ve got to be honest. I think she’ll do really well, hopefully top five, but I don’t think she’ll win unless something amazing happens on the night.
“Sometimes, someone can just sort of be around fourth or fifth and then something just happens on the night, which is always unforeseen, and that usually gets reflected in the public vote. I’m sure Ukraine will do really well, but I don’t think their song is as strong this year.”
Jay also revealed her band will be involved in Eurovision this year, adding: "We are involved to some degree [in Eurovision 2023], but I can’t say what – probably just drinking Bucks Fizz, watching [laughs].”
She added: “We’ve had a forty-odd-year career, singing a silly three-minute song, and ripping our skirts off, so don’t underestimate the power of Eurovision and that platform.
“I would encourage anyone who is out there and wants to make it in the business, to consider Eurovision because sometimes it can really work. However, you’ve got to be realistic about whether you can cope - it’s stressful and it’s tough under all that scrutiny - but if you can enjoy the process and enjoy the moment, and not be scared, it’s great.”
Jay also revealed who she thinks will win this year: “Sweden is the favourite and should remain so. For me, that’s the one that stands out because she’s done it before - Loreen, the Swedish entry.
"She is the favourite and I think for good reason because there is just a confidence about her performance, because she’s won It before and its very rare that you go back and win it again – I don’t think anyone has ever done that other than Johnny Logan. It’s the confidence and there is a similarity in the song that she did before which was a winner. There is a change in the music this year – there is just a slight shift, with a few dark horses – but I think Loreen really has got it.
“Other songs which are getting a lot of profile is Spain, France, and Norway, but I don’t think they’re actually as strong as they have been in previous years. I think Mae Muller will do really well on the night, I’m sure she’ll at least be in the running – fourth or fifth.”
