This year's UK hopefuls Blue will kick-off their Eurovision campaign in Malta. The pop group will perform in the Malta Eurovision Festival. A strong competing line-up and high profile performing guests is proving to be the most spectacular show offered in the Maltese national selection.

BBC have just announced through their facebook page that this year’s Eurovision representatives Blue will fly to the Mediterranean island and perform in Malta. So far there is no confirmation yet if the group will premiere their Eurovision entry I Can. Instead it is likely that Blue will perform some of their hit songs.

The group is best known for hits such as One Love and All Rise. Two years ago Blue reunited for a series of gigs, four years after disbanding. Band member Simon Webbe said: "I've always wanted to represent my country, so this is a truly exciting experience for Blue." The group formed in 2000 and since then have sold more than 13 million records and won two Brit Awards and had three number one singles in UK charts.

It is expected that a BBC crew will come with the group to film their appearance in Malta. A one-hour documentary, showing Blue's preparation for the Eurovision Song Contest, will be broadcast on BBC One in April. It will feature them recording the single, travelling to Europe to promote the entry, and receiving advice from fellow artists in the music business.

As part of the big-five the United Kingdom will participate directly in the final. The country is aiming to get back on track after last year’s Eurovision failure by Josh Dubovie.