Former Blue star Antony Costa and one-time Hear'Say member Kym Marsh are among the contestants getting ready to square off to represent the UK at Eurovision 2006.

Following the arch-humiliation of recent years, including a spectacular crash'n'burn "Nil Points!", much is riding on their spangly and sequinned shoulders.

Less famous competitors include the singer-songwriter Goran Kay, Scottish female duo City Chix, male vocalists Four Story and Daz Sampson.

Mr Sampson, or DJ Daz as he is known on his home north-west disco circuit, has previously penned minor chart dance hits with Blue Bus and Uniting Nations.

The general public will get the chance to vote on their choice of entry on March 4th, when the entrants will appear on the BBC show Making Your Mind Up.

The BBC installed the format after the committee-picked UK entry Jemini finished last with not a single point for a contribution widely judged very crappy.