British boyband Blue have finally been able to see the funny side of their ill-fated stint at Eurovision, which saw them finish behind controversial Irish duo, Jedward.
The band represented the UK in 2011 and brilliantly performed their song I Can, written by band members Lee Ryan and Duncan James.
Yet although they managed to avoid the dreaded zero points and finished in a respectable 11th place, it was not a victory they had hoped for, having claimed at the time that they would “emigrate” if they were losing.
The loss was undoubtedly made even more bitter by the fact that they were beaten by X Factor double act Jedward – who had not achieved the same level of chart success as Blue.
Despite this, the band proved they had taken defeat in stride as Lee, Duncan, Simon Webbe and Antony Costa performed at the London Palladium on Friday.
Blue’s Duncan James led the group in laughing about their ill-fated stint at Eurovision 2011 (where they finished behind Jedward) as they performed at the London Palladium on Friday.
The band represented the UK in 2011 and performed their song I Can brilliantly (LR Duncan, Antony Costa, Lee Ryan and Simon Webbe in the final in Düsseldorf)
Blue managed to avoid the dreaded draws and finished in a respectable 11th place, behind X Factor double act Jedward (pictured during the competition) who had not achieved the same level of chart success as Blue .
The band reformed this year for their Greatest Hits tour and with MailOnline in the audience for Friday’s show, the group joked about their time at Eurovision.
Duncan, 45, turned to Antony, 42, on stage and asked him to state the date, month and city where they had performed – May 14, 2011 in Düsseldorf.
He then asked where they finished “11th”, before replying “and who came 10th?” to which Antoine stopped, looked at the crowd, and deadpanned, “Jedward.”
The crowd burst into laughter as Duncan quickly moved forward, laughing, “Okay, still…”
Blue also reflected on her busy schedule preparing for Eurovision – which was ultimately won by Azerbaijani duo Ell and Nikki with their ballad Running Scared.
Speaking behind the scenes in a segment aired on Monday’s episode of Lorraine, Antony said: “Of all the years of hard work, the 10 days we represented the UK at Eurovision were the hardest we’ve ever done. Never, in 23 years in the business.
Duncan also wished this year’s British entrant, Years and Years’ Olly Alexander, good luck, while Antony warned: “Be ready to work, mate!”
Last year, Blue announced they would be reforming to celebrate their 20th anniversary with a tour across the UK in April and May, with support bands Max Rae and Diamond’s and Whiskey.
The band reformed this year for their Greatest Hits tour and with MailOnline in the audience for Friday’s show, the group joked about their time at Eurovision.
The band was supported on their tour by pop star Max Rae.
Speaking backstage in a segment aired on Monday’s Lorraine show, Antony said the 10 days of preparation for Eurovision were the “hardest” of his career.
The group formed in 2000 and released three studio albums titled All Rise, One Love and Guilty.
After announcing a hiatus in 2004, Duncan, Antony, Lee and Simon released their first compilation album, Best Of Blue.
The group first came together in January 2011 and represented the United Kingdom in that year’s Eurovision Song Contest, placing 11th after a performance of I Can in Düsseldorf.
They then released two more studio albums, their fourth Roulette in 2013 and their fifth Colors in 2015.
In 2013, they joined groups including Liberty X, Atomic Kitten and 5ive to perform a unique concert as part of The Big Reunion.
Last year, Blue announced that it would reform to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The band formed in 2000 and released three studio albums titled (2002 photo)