Joe and Jake have won the UK ticket to the Eurovision Song Contest 2016.

The duo topped the vote in tonights final and was announced the winner of the country’s first national final in six years.

In tonights show, the six shortlisted acts performed their entries live to the public for the very first time.

After each had performed the voting opened and the British public decided they wanted Joe and Jake to represent them with the song  You’re not alone.

The result was determined by public vote alone via a televote and online vote. An expert panel offered their views on the performances during the show.

This evening also saw performances from the last winner from the United Kingdom, Katrina from Katrina & the Waves, and last years Eurovision champion Mans Zelmerlow.

Joe & Jake’s’ win means they will represent the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm. As the UK are a member of the Big Five, they automatically gain a place in the grand final.

Eurovision: You decide participants

• Joe & Jake – You’re not alone
• Bianca – Shine a little light
• Dulcima – When you go
• Matthew James – A better man
• Darline – Until tomorrow
• Karl William Lund – Miracle

Last year, the BBC internally selected Electro Velvet to represent the country at the Eurovision Song Contest. The duo consisted of British singers Bianca Nicholas and Alex Larke.

Their entry Still in love with you picked up five points and finished 24th in the final.

The UK boasts one of the most successful records in the contest, scoring five wins. This number is only bettered by Ireland (7) and Sweden (6).
The country’s last win, however, came almost 20 years ago when Katrina & the Waves topped the scoreboard in 1997 with her entry Love shine a light. 

What do you think of the United Kingdom’s choice for 2016?

Stay tuned to ESCToday for all the latest news from the UK and the Eurovision Song Contest 2016!