Lloyd Webber to pen UK's Eurovision entry

Andrew Lloyd Webber has revealed he will help choose the UK's entry for the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest, in a revamp of the selection process.

The composer will also write the UK's song next year, and take part in BBC1's search to find the singer or group to perform it at the contest in Moscow next May.

And instead of the song being chosen in a one-off show, the selection process will follow a similar format to the other Lloyd Webber shows How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? and I'd Do Anything.

Six finalists, chosen by Lord Lloyd Webber and other industry professionals, will take part in the show over a number of weeks, with the final winner eventually chosen by public vote.

As with the previous Lloyd Webber shows, it will be hosted by Graham Norton.

"Win, lose or draw, I am looking forward to every minute of it," he said.

"In my life I have never shied away from the impossible and this looks like the biggest mission impossible of all time.

"But with the might of the BBC and the British public behind me - not to mention Graham Norton - who knows what will happen?"

Lord Lloyd Webber came aboard the UK's 2009 Eurovision campaign after the announcement last month that the voting format would be changing at next year's contest, to include points awarded by a jury as well as the public vote.

The UK has won the Eurovision Song Contest five times but recently has had a string of disastrous results, with former X Factor finalist Andy Abraham finishing last at this year's contest in Belgrade.