It’s the national final that ended the United Kingdom’s five-year experiment with internal selection. Now the BBC has confirmed that Eurovision: You Decide will be held on Friday 27 January — in just seven weeks’ time.

The 2017 date comes a month earlier than the 2016 date, which was held on 26 February 2016. The earlier date would give the UK more time to prepare the winning entry for Kyiv. Fans have previously criticised UK Eurovision entries for having under developed staging concepts.

Eurovision: You Decide will be held at the Eventim Hammersmith Apollo — also the location for the 2015 special Eurovision’s Greatest Hits. This is a change from the 2016 venue, the smaller O2 Forum.

Another change for 2017 will be the broadcast network. The 2016 show was broadcast on BBC Four, a channel known for highbrow arts programming. In 2017 it will move to BBC Two, a more popular channel with mainstream music coverage. Eurovision: You Decide will be broadcast from 7.30pm to 9:00pm.

Ticket prices for the 2017 show are also down from 2016. Tickets for standing areas are £34.25, while seated areas are £37.00. Last year, tickets set back fans £45.00.

The show will again again involve six performers who will compete to represent the UK in Kyiv. The songs will again first be revealed on 23 January on The Ken Bruce Show on BBC Radio 2 – four days before the grand final.

Also returning for 2017 is the show’s host, former Great British Bake Off presenter and Eurovision semi-final commentator Mel Giedroyc. She’ll be joined by an expert panel who’ll sound off about the acts.

Earlier in the year, the BBC held a public song submission period. The shortlisted songs will join those sought from professional songwriters, under the guidance of music executive Hugh Goldsmith. The British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA) will again select a song from its members.

Last year’s winner of Eurovision: You Decide was former The Voice singers Joe and Jake. While their song “You’re Not Alone” only placed 24th in Stockholm, fans were encouraged with the BBC’s new attitude towards the selection of their Eurovision entry.

What do you think? Who would you like to see at Eurovision: You Decide next year? Share your thoughts below!