Emmelie de Forest, of Denmark, performs Only Teardrops during a rehearsal for the final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo (AP)

Margaret Berger of Norway performs her song "I Feed You My Love"

Ryan Dolan meeting Sweden's Robin Stjernberg to watch the second semi final

Ryan Dolan of Ireland performs his song Only Your Love Survives during the final of the Eurovision Song Contest at the Malmo Arena in Malmo, Sweden

SIMON Cowell has offered to become involved with the UK’s selection process for Eurovision – if rival station BBC will let him.

Cowell was responding to a Twitter follower who said the music mogul was needed to restore the UK's national pride in the contest.

The follower said: “The UK needs you to bring the Eurovision under your control and restore national pride as the Eurovision kings have fallen."

Cowell responded: "I was thinking that maybe I could work to find the right artist to represent us. If they would let me."

Simon Cowell has a frosty relationship with the BBC, who are responsible for selecting the UK’s entry.

Both of Cowell’s hit shows, X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent, reside on rival ITV.

The UK has previously used music industry heavyweights to select a singer and song for the competition, with mixed results.

Andrew Lloyd Webber came fifth in 2009 with Sugabade Jade Ewen in Moscow.

However a year later in Oslo in 2010, pop manager Pete Waterman finished last with his entrant Josh Dubovie.

Waterman stated at the time that one of the biggest challenges Cowell believed he had left in his career was to win the Eurovision.

Bonnie Tyler finished 19th in Malmo last week, with Denmark winning the contest for the third time in their history.

Online Editors