Former UK Eurovision finalist opens up on death threat ordeal after disappointing result: 'No ways of stopping'

Alex Larke has opened up about receiving death threats after the UK’s disappointing result at the Eurovision Song Contest 2015, admitting there are still “no real ways of stopping” online abuse aimed at performers.

The former finalist represented the UK alongside Bianca Nicholas as part of electro-swing duo Electro Velvet with their song Still in Love with You, finishing 24th out of 27 countries.

Reflecting on the experience more than a decade later, the singer insisted that taking part in the competition was still “overwhelmingly positive”, despite the intense backlash the duo received online.

Speaking exclusively to GBNews.com, Mr Lake said: “It was positive because you're effectively representing your country, which is a huge, huge honour...

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"But I guess the part that I didn't realise and didn't expect at the time is that people can reach you by social media, and, of course, people did."

The singer added: "Some of the messages weren't so complimentary. There were a couple of death threats, which I found quite amusing.”

Mr Larke warned that the situation has only worsened for modern performers entering the industry, arguing that social media platforms still fail to protect artists from abuse.

“I don't think things have got better, certainly. I think things are probably worse,” he explained.

“It's 11 years since I represented the UK, and there are still no real ways of stopping people from sending you really, really awkward stuff.

“I was always brought up with the 'if you've got nothing nice to say, then don't say anything', and I stand by that.”

Despite the difficult experience, Mr Larke said he still watches the Eurovision Song Contest and remains a fan of the annual competition, although he won't be able to catch it this year.

“I still think it's an awful lot of fun,” he said, adding that his children have also become enthusiastic viewers.

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Touching on the UK’s chances in this year’s contest, the former entrant admitted he is not expecting a top-three finish.

“Perhaps put money on it. I don't think we are,” he said.

“And that's not me being not patriotic or anything, but... Sam Ryder had a little bit of magic.”

Mr Larke also reflected on whether politics still influences voting patterns at Eurovision, referencing Mr Ryder finishing second during the year Ukraine won the contest.

“Maybe, maybe, it could have been,” he said.

“But again, with Eurovision, you just don't know.”

Discussing ongoing boycott debates surrounding this year’s competition, Mr Larke argued music and politics should ideally remain separate.

“I would say that music is an entertainment show, and carry on,” he explained.

“Let politicians make their arguments in different ways about how things should or shouldn't be handled, and let musicians and singers just sing and do their job.”

While Mr Larke admitted his Eurovision placing effectively ended hopes of becoming a chart-topping artist, he said the experience unexpectedly helped him build a successful career elsewhere in music.

“Once you've done badly, and we did badly because we finished 24th, your career is effectively over if you want to carry on being a performing artist,” he said.

However, he added: “My vocal coaching business and my recording studio do really, really well.”

The singer also revealed he has since stepped away from alcohol and now spends much of his time focused on family life.

“I thought, 'Oh, I'm going to be a singer,' and I'm going to be in the charts and live in a mansion and drive a Ferrari,” he joked.

“I don't, but I am really happy.”

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