Ex-Eurovision star warns Javine

James Fox says he would take part again if asked

Eurovision veteran James Fox says this year's UK entrant Javine has no chance of winning the competition because of tactical voting.

Fox, from Bargoed in south Wales, finished 16th out of 24 entries in 2004 with his ballad Hold On To Our Love.

He said his successor should enjoy the contest, but the fact that eastern European countries vote for each other would make it hard for her to triumph.

Javine Hylton, 23, will sing Touch My Fire in Kiev on Saturday night.

Fox echoed TV host Terry Wogan, who has also written off the UK's chances at the 50th Eurovision of adding to its five victories.

The results are not important, as long as you don't end up with zero James Fox

"We've invaded too many countries and nobody likes us," said Wogan.

Last year, complaints grew louder than ever that neighbouring countries were doing each other favours.

For instance, Greece and Cyprus gave each other maximum points, while Norway gave Sweden 12 points. Norway won only three points in total - but they were all from Sweden.

Fox, who found stardom after appearing in the BBC TV series Fame Academy, said Javine should try to enjoy the experience as much as he did.

"It was possibly the best seven days of my life," he said

"She is talented, a good performer, and I think the song is great - I think it will go down well in that competition. But I don't think she is going to win it for a second."

Javine beat off competition from glamour model Jordan to take part

He said the important thing was not to let yourself down as a performer.

"The rest of it is out of your hands," he said.

Javine, who will be the second contestant to take the stage on the night, said she was aiming to finish in the top 10.

A year on from his performance, Fox said the sheer magnitude of the event had stunned him.

"It is a big carnival atmosphere and when you arrive and go to the hotel, the world's press is there," he said.

"The results are not important, as long as you don't end up with zero."

He has not ruled out taking part again.

"I said at the time, 'If you ever want me to do it again, give me a call'. It has done me no harm."

Last year's contest in Istanbul was won by the Ukrainian Ruslana with her song Wild Dances.

The final will be shown on Saturday on BBC One at 2000 BST.