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Since 1956, the annual extravaganza that is the Eurovision Song Contest has not only celebrated the musical talents of a multitude of nations but been a melting pot of costumes, cultures and lyrics.

Ahead of the 55th contest from the host capital of Oslo, in Norway – 25 years on from the success of Bobbysocks (1985 winner) and following glory for Alexander Rybak last year in Moscow – the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳'s Eurovision commentator, Graham Norton, suggests a few pertinent pointers to success for hopefuls taking part this year.

With a trawl through the archives and some analysis of what works and equally important what most certainly doesn't, here are Graham's top tips for Eurovision success:

Lyrics

Thirteen winners have been sung in our own fair tongue over the last 20 years. The least successful language is Portuguese – with 44 attempts and still not a winner.

In true Eurovision style, some have even been in a made up language – good for Belgium in 2002 (second) but not so good for the same country in 2008 (failed to qualify).

Gimmicks

2008: A world-champion ice skater? For Russia, yes (winner)
1980: Mime artists? Amazingly, for Germany, yes (runners-up)
2006: Girl climbing out of a piano? Yes (Russia, again, runners-up)
2006: Rubber monsters? Big yes (winners Finland)
1979: Gardening equipment, including rakes and a playable watering can? A definite no (Switzerland, 10th place).

Sartorial Elegance

A wapping fifth of all winners have worn white, like Céline Dion in 1988's hit for Switzerland. But some are destined to only ever be the bridesmaid – blue and white stripes simply don't do it.

And, whatever you do, steer clear of ... purple – particularly if it's the flared cat suits worn by Belgium's entrants in 1973 (who came last).

Sunglasses are another definite no (Norway, 1976, who came last). And, it seems strange to mention, but so are American football helmets – seen on the Austrian entrant in 1981 (17th out of 20).

So, just to summarise, top tips for Eurovision success on 29 May are as follows:

Sing in English, with a good gimmick, definitely no gardening equipment, wear white, avoid blue and white stripes, no purple, or sunglasses and, no matter what, definitely no American footy helmets – easy!