Husky-voiced Tyler is UK Eurovision entry

The singer, whose hits include Total Eclipse of the Heart, will perform a track called Believe In Me at the event in Malmo, Sweden.

She said: “I am truly honoured and delighted to be able to represent my country at Eurovision and especially with such a fabulous song. I promise to give this everything that I’ve got for the UK.”

Katie Taylor, BBC controller of entertainment and events, said: “Bonnie Tyler is truly a global superstar with a fantastic voice and we are delighted she will be flying the flag for the UK in Malmo.”

The competition on Saturday May 18 will be broadcast live on BBC1 and BBC1 HD with commentary by Graham Norton, and on Radio 2 with commentary from Ken Bruce.

Tyler’s career was almost over before it started when in 1976 she had surgery on her throat. But the singer, who was born in South Wales, found it left her with her trademark husky vocals and later that year she scored her first hit Lost In France.