Who would have thought that what started as a childhood hobby would turn into something which would have such an impact upon my education and essentially my professional development? Not me - at least, not then!

We have our entry list, and the forty three countries who have submitted an application are known. As Eurovision 2012 takes shape, what's drawing the attention of the ESC Insight team?

We continue to ask our writers the question "Why Eurovision?", and now it's the turn of ESC Insight's editor, Ewan Spence. And it all starts with a cowboy, a black & white television, and Sally Ann Triplett.

A little diversion from the usual flavour of articles to start 2012, as I write both to keen Eurovision watchers, and to whoever will be working on the United Kingdom's Eurovision Song Contest entry this year. Simply put, the UK need McFly.

The ESC Insight team look back over the last twelve months to select their memorable songs, and what an eclectic selection we have for you. From Eurovision entrants and National Final songs, to album tracks and new releases... this was 2011.