Former garbage man to sing for UK in contest

LONDON (Reuters) - A former trash collector will represent Britain at the Eurovision Song Contest in Belgrade on May 24 after beating a TV actress in a televised contest.

Andy Abraham, 43, triumphed with his funky song "Even If," beating five other acts, including former "EastEnders" star Michelle Gayle. Members of the public determined the outcome.

"I'm freaked out. What can I say -- the public have voted me in and I'm over the moon," Abraham said after the result was announced. "I will try my best to make them proud out in Serbia. I really hope people in Europe will give the song a chance."

Abraham has already had chart success with his debut album "The Impossible Dream," which sold nearly 180,000 copies in its first week.

Bookmakers say he has little chance of success at Eurovision. William Hill have made him a 25-1 outsider and compared him to the Irish entry -- a children's puppet called Dustin the Turkey.

Reuters/Nielsen