UK Eurovision entry Sam Ryder has returned from Turin and joined Zoe Ball on BBC Radio 2 to thank fans for their support. He got 'emotional' as the morning radio host replayed clips from the exciting night of entertainment which saw the UK end second place on the leader board.
"How could you do that to me?" Sam said as he joined the radio studio at Wogan House, "I've had no sleep, I'm so emotional now. I feel like I'm welling up straight away!".
The 32-year-old TikTok sensation came second on May 14 when the live grand final of Eurovision was broadcast. Following a few years of low or nil points for the UK, Sam smashed his performance and bagged 283 points from the jury scores. He missed out on the top place following the public vote, which showed an outpouring of support for Ukraine - who were crowned the winners with 631 votes in total.
Zoe, 51, asked how the star felt to be returning home after his rollercoaster journey. "Just so joyful, so grateful that we had the opportunity and thank you so much," Sam replied: "I'm so stocked that I got to see you guys first, like as soon as we come home just celebrate it together, it feels like, I don't know, coming and seeing friends.
"Just like having a massive hug, ah the relief and everything, so many emotions," He added: "I felt so much encouragement and support and love from home and not just home, but in the Eurovision community in general. There is so much love. Sitting in that arena is like being in a church, it is just incredible. I can't explain it and I can't even begin to do it justice the feeling that you have when you're there".
Sam revealed the first thing he's going to do when he gets home to celebrate with his family. "We are having just a very normal lovely curry as soon as I get home," Sam told Zoe, "And watching the tele. I think I told you I just want to watch Gogglebox or something like that and it's going to be weird because we'll be on it!".
Tune in to The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show weekdays from 6.30am on BBC Radio 2.
