The British songstress Sophie Ellis-Bextor has left the UK’s jury for the Eurovision Song Contest, ahead of tonight’s semi-final.

She had been due to chair panel of five music professionals, who determine the UK’s jury vote.

She announced yesterday that she had to step down due to “unforeseen circumstances”, and a replacement is expected to be announced imminently.

I still love Eurovision! Wishing all the participants a great show and good luck to the UK entry. Xxxx https://t.co/4puldwG9xJ

— Sophie Ellis-Bextor (@SophieEB) 14 May 2019

It is believed that Sophie could not attend last night due to childcare issues.

The four other members on the panel are Kylie Minogue‘s musical director Pete Watson, radio DJ Adele Roberts, vocal coach Jai Ramage and singer AJ Bentley.

Although a new replacement hasn’t yet been announced, the bookies’ favourite to have taken over is music mogul Simon Cowell. Others in the running include One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson, and the Spice Girls’ Emma Bunton.

The United Kingdom’s panel cast its votes last night at the jury show for the second semi-final and are due to perform in the second half of the Grand Final on Saturday 18th May.