Cheesy Europop

Jaana Pelkonen and Mikko Leppilampi are the hosts for a TV show expected to attract 100 million viewers globally. (BBC)

Eurovision under way in Helsinki

An estimated TV audience of 100 million is expected to watch this year's Eurovision Song Contest from Helsinki, which is now under way.

In all, 24 nations are competing, with Ukrainian drag queen Verka Serdyuchka as the bookies' favourite, just ahead of Marija Serifovic from Serbia.

Viewers can vote by phone and text message once all acts have performed.

Maria Sestic of Bosnia-Herzegovina was first on stage, with the UK's entry, by Scooch, 19th in the running order.

Scooch - singing Flying the Flag - said it would be "really difficult" to follow the Ukrainian favourite.

The Eurovision Song Contest shows up the fact that European nations still remain entrenched in their historical and cultural differences, and which countries stick together, goes someway to enplaning why the EU has had such trouble with the constitution.

National pride and pure cheese sums up The Eurovision Song Contest.