It was always going to be difficult, from the moment that Engelbert Humperdinck�s position in the draw meant he had to sing first of 26 acts. From the challenging pole position, he acquitted himself impeccably. In the end, however, his song Love Will Set You Free failed to fire, with the veteran crooner coming second last. For a long time, it looked like he wouldn�t be getting off the duck, but finished with a respectable� 12 points, second only to the usual nul-pointed Norway at the bottom of the table.

Humperdinck, who was wearing a lucky necklace given to him by Elvis Presley, had said after his performance: "I had a great time, a very wonderful time. I hope everyone listening to the song... we shared the song with every generation. I sang it from my heart."

Irish twins Jedward didn�t do much better, securing only 46 points and earning 19th place,...