The British songwriting team behind two of Belgium's Eurosong 2006 entries have suggested a controversial first step in changing the flagging fortunes of their native UK at the Eurovision Song Contest: sack the long-time commentator and 1998 co-host, Terry Wogan.

Paul Drew, Greig Watts and Pete Barringer, the team behind the entries performed by Katerine and Eve Kempbell, explained to belgovision.com that their main reason for entering the Belgian and not the UK Eurovision Song Contest selection was the way the contest is treated as a joke by many Brits. They go on to cite Terry as the chief culprit: "he makes a joke of the whole thing… because of that the UK's public has followed suit", according to the Diablo Music trio.

The writers go on to suggest that the UK also adopt a selection process similar to the Eurosong show, with heats leading up to a final. Under similar circumstances, they admit they would be less reluctant to enter a song for their home country. As Making Your Mind Up, the British selection, currently stands, "all the time Terry Wogan is being sarcastic, and even the acts don't always take it that seriously", the three claim.

Eurovision hero… or villain?
Terry Wogan has commentated at the Eurovision Song Contest for UK viewers annually since 1980, and made occasional appearance in the commentator's box in the 1970s too. For many people at home, Terry's dry wit and sarcastic comments are one of the main reasons for watching, but they have at the same time riled some fans. Nonetheless, his popularity has ensured an involvement with Eurovision that has lasted many years, and for much of the UK, the Eurovision Song Contest and Terry Wogan are inextricably linked.