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Damien's Eurovision dream is over as he becomes the first to be eliminated from ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ One's Eurovision: Your Country Needs You.

After a public vote during tonight's (Saturday 10 January) live show, Damien and Charlotte were the least popular hopefuls and Andrew Lloyd Webber decided to save Charlotte, leaving Damien as the first person to leave the competition.

All six hopefuls performed Eurovision classic Waterloo together, as well as solo renditions of contemporary songs chosen to show viewers that they have the nerve, skill and sheer determination to represent the UK in Moscow.

After performing their songs and receiving feedback from Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lulu and Arlene Phillips, the hopefuls faced a nervous wait as the public cast their votes. Lemar also performed his new single Weight Of The World.

As votes were counted, the Eurovision wannabes were spilt into two groups – male and female – and both performed a group number. It was their last chance to shine, before host Graham Norton revealed the two that had the least amount of public votes.

Damien and Charlotte gained the least amount of votes. Then it was up to Andrew Lloyd Webber alone to choose which hopeful should be saved for another week.

Andrew Lloyd Webber said: "I'm going to save tonight Charlotte. I'm really sorry mate and the reason I chose Charlotte is because she's only 17, she's come such a huge way and you are a bit older than her and I think she might learn a lot more in the journey.

"That's the only reason. I think you're very talented. You really would have been safe hands for me but I'm sorry."

Damien said: "I've had a great time and it's been a fantastic opportunity. I've learnt a lot from this and I'll take that and go forward."

Safe for another week are Emperors Of Soul, Mark, Charlotte, Francine & Nicola and Jade.

The remaining hopefuls will go on to next week's show where they will again perform for the nation in the hope of picking up the baton for the UK in the Eurovision extravaganza in Moscow next May.

Notes to Editors

Songs performed:

• All acts – Waterloo (ABBA)
• Emperors Of Soul – Love Train (The O'Jays)
• Mark – Your Game (Will Young)
• Charlotte – Because Of You (Kelly Clarkson)
• Damien – How Am I Supposed To Live Without You? (Michael Bolton)
• Francine & Nicola – You've Got A Friend (James Taylor)
• Jade – Déjà Vu (Beyoncé)
• All female acts – One Rock 'N' Roll Too Many (Starlight Express)
• All male acts – No Matter What (Boyzone)

During tonight's show, it was announced that Diane Warren will be joining Eurovision: Your Country Needs You to provide the lyrics to the song that will be written by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Andrew Lloyd Webber said: "I am very excited to be working with Diane Warren, one of America's greatest songwriters. This is a massively new direction for me and I cannot wait to get started."

In response to the announcement, Diane Warren said: "I am thrilled to be working with Andrew Lloyd Webber. He is a legend and I am honoured to write with him for the Eurovision contest artist. I hope that a song from Andrew Lloyd Webber and me will spell a change of fortune for the UK at Eurovision. We will write the best song possible for the event and for the artist. I am excited to be a part of this event with Andrew."

The next edition of Eurovision: Your Country Needs You is on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ One on Saturday 17 January at 6.35pm.

JD/PA