Simona Armstrong competed in the smash hit television show How do you solve a problem like Maria in the United Kingdom in 2006, hoping to win the leading roll in Andrew Lloyd Webber's stage production of The sound of music. On Saturday night she goes on stage at the BBC Centre hoping to win the job of representing her adopted country at the Eurovision Song Contest. This weekend, Simona spoke to esctoday.com about the upcoming Eurovision – Your Decision show.

How did you get involved?
"It was very simple, I had it in my mind to do it a year ago. I wrote an email saying that it would be lovely to be part of it back in December. after some email exchanges, they came back and said you're in".

There were rumours in the press, how did they find out?
"What happened actually, I was doing the Christmas show for the BBC and newspapers asked what I would be doing this year. I said that I was hoping to enter and that's how they got the story. They responded very positively".

Will being Romanian help in Belgrade if you win this weekend?
"I dont really think about being Romanian. I live here in the UK and I don't think it makes much difference. It's all about the UK, the song and how well the song comes across. People in Romania would go mental and be happy and supportive for me, so if I was to win here, I hope Romania would vote for the song. I think it's time for Europe to open the gate for Britain. I want to give myself a chance. Eurovision is a celebration, a huge event and to be part of it would be amazing".

What do you think about the new format of the British final?
"I really appreciate the BBC's efforts, I think it's great that they're trying a new format. They're taking a risk but they're trying to get the public interest and build the strength of Eurovision again. They're taking it very seriously. I pray that I'm part of a great show. We're all good singers, so I don't think there's anything wrong with it, and any one of us can do the country proud. I hope the only problem is which person people will want to vote for".

Are you a big Eurovision fan?
"I am a huge fan, I wait for it every year. For me, it's the only chance to see all the cultures of every country expressed through the songs. It's a chance to get to know other people and experience different things".

What's favourite winner?
"It was the Turkish entrant a few years ago, Sertab. I'm not into dramatic politics and suffering, people should bring happy songs with a good message and that's what mysong is about".

How did you come up with your entry, Changes?
"The song is from the musical director of the Spice Girls and has great production, they offered it to me and I loved it. I believe in it and I believe in its message. It's fashionable and refreshing, I hope it has a good chance – as long as I deliver it on the day".

Are you nervous or worried about performing in a national final?
"Of course I'm going to be nervous, but I'll try to transform them into excitement, positivity, focus and into my performance. Every single performer in this will be nervous, it's up to you to deal with it".

Does your experience from the Maria show help?
"Everything is for a reason. The Maria show gave me exposure and allowed me to get here. The two shows are very different. Maria allowed me to have a chance to get into the London Theatre, but this is very different. I've always wanted the public to know me for who I am and what I'm about. This is a great chance for me to get closer to the public".

Have you met other participants?
"I was working with Rob before at the BBC Christmas show, and although I've not met Andy, I was a big fan of his on X Factor, I can't believe I'm working on the show with him now. I've not met Michelle yet but we're both experienced in acting so I hope we can relate to each other. To me, this is not a competition, it's a presentation. The public will decide which presentation they want for Eurovision".

esctoday.com would like to express our thanks to Simona for the interview and wish her and all the participants well for this Saturday's show.

You can listen to Simona's entry, along with all the participating songs in the United Kingdom's final here.