Engelbert Humperdinck is to represent the UK at the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest, it has been revealed.

The 75-year-old will be the UK's oldest ever contestant and will be looking to win the event for the UK for the first time since Katrina and the Waves reigned supreme in 1997.

The news dashes speculation that Atomic Kitten would be reforming for the event - although the band themselves had previously distanced themselves from the rumours.

Speaking about representing the UK at the May event, Humperdinck said that it was an "honour" to have been asked. The BBC reports that he said:

"It's an absolute honour to be representing my country for this year's Eurovision Song Contest. When the BBC approached me, it just felt right for me to be a part of an institution like Eurovision. I'm excited and raring to go and want the nation to get behind me!"