Brucie and Cowell back Wogan's Eurovision rant

Sir Terry Wogan has won support from prominent showbiz figures for his criticisms of the Eurovision Song Contest.

The veteran Eurovision commentator cast doubt on whether he would be involved in covering the event again, after doing so since the 1970s.

He said it was 'no longer a music contest' and that prospects for Western European participants were poor.

Bruce Forsyth said: "I agree with him. It's not a song contest any more, it's political."

And asked about the future of the show and Sir Terry's role in it, he quipped: "As long as they don't ask me to do it, I don't care!"

Simon Cowell said: "If people enjoy it as entertainment, that's great, but it's all a bit empty and meaningless as a competition."

Public relations guru Max Clifford commented: "Terry Wogan is spot on. It's all about politics and block voting and nothing to do with the merits of a song."

Sir Terry spoke out near the end of his commentary after Britain's entry Andy Abrahams finished joint last of the 25 finalists. Dima Bilan of Russia romped to victory with a massive 272 points with a big ballad, produced by US R&B star Timbaland, called Believe.

A BBC spokesman said: "We are disappointed for Andy - it was a great song and a brilliant performance."

But he added: "Last year, the BBC paid £173,000 towards the cost of the Eurovision Song Contest. As far as the BBC is concerned, this represents great value for money for its viewers."