James Newman has been chosen to represent the UK at this year's Eurovision Song Contest, it has been confirmed.

The 35-year-old - older brother of singer John Newman - had been in line to compete at last year's event with his track 'My Last Breath' but for the first time in history, Eurovision was cancelled amid the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic.

Under Eurovision rules, songs submitted for 2020 were not eligible to be submitted again this year, although the artists themselves could return with new songs - and now the BBC has decided to give a second shot to Newman.

"I'm so excited and honoured to be getting a second chance at representing my country in the Eurovision Song Contest," he told The Sun.

"I haven't stopped making new music in lockdown and I can't wait for everyone to hear the song I'm taking to Eurovision in 2021."

A source told the newspaper: "James has been writing songs non-stop to create the perfect single for the contest and is planning on unveiling it next month.

"It has been a tough year for everybody, including James, who was struck down with COVID last March, but it's made him even more determined to make a belter of a song."

The final of the contest will be held on May 22 in Rotterdam.