The Absolutely Fabulous star will reveal the UK jury’s votes live during the grand finale in Malmo

Dame Joanna Lumley will announce the UK’s points during the Eurovision Song Contest grand finale next week in Malmo. The 78-year-old actress, best known for her role in Absolutely Fabulous, will reveal how the UK’s national jury has voted, contributing to the final results of the competition.

The jury’s points, combined with the public vote from each participating country, will determine the winner of the contest. “Good evening Malmo, it’s Joanna here. I am delighted to be announcing the jury vote for the UK at this year’s Eurovision,” said Dame Joanna. “It’s such a fabulous honour to give the iconic ‘douze points’.”

The UK’s spokesperson role, which is traditionally given to a public figure, was announced by Eurovision commentator Graham Norton on The One Show on Friday. The jury points, ranging from 12 (douze points) to zero, are awarded by five members with artistic backgrounds relevant to the competition.

Dame Joanna follows in the footsteps of previous spokespersons including comedian Catherine Tate, TV stars Amanda Holden and Nigella Lawson, and quiz show host Richard Osman. The UK points will be presented after all participating countries have announced their votes, with the public’s score added in to create the final tally.

Olly Alexander of Years & Years will represent the UK in the competition with his track Dizzy. Alexander is already guaranteed a place in the final, along with the “Big Five” countries: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden, the previous year’s winner.

The semi-finals will feature performances from 15 countries in the first round and 16 countries in the second, with viewers deciding which acts will move on to the grand finale. Eurovision’s grand final will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday, May 11, starting at 8pm.