Blue have been revealed as the UK entrant for this year’s Eurovision.

Lee Ryan,Simon Webbe,Duncan JamesandAntony Costahave recorded a new track, I Can, especially for the song contest, which takes place inDusseldorf on 14 May.

Duncan told The Mirror that the idea first came from entertainmentbosses at the Beeb. “We’re celebrating our 10 years together this year, so when the BBC approached us it seemed a great way to mark the occasion and also to be part of something which is still a British institution.”

Leeadded that they hoped old Blue fans would get behind their bid. “We’re excited to be performing again in the UK and Europe and hope that the fans who supported us before will embrace our new songs.”

The BBC's Katie Taylor said she had no doubt that having an act the calibre of Blue would help the UK’s chances: “We’re enormously pleased to have found an act that not only meets but exceeds all the criteria for a great entry. Blue are the perfect choice and we’re so proud to have them representing us.”

In the run-up to the final, BBC1 will air a one-hour documentary showing the group preparing for the competition, recording the single and travelling to Europe to promote the entry, in an attempt to avoid a repeat of last year’s result, where UK entrant Josh Dobovie came last with just 10 points.

Blue split up in 2005 but reunited in 2009 and have spent the last year working on new material.