Andrew Lloyd-Webber reckons Britain can "hold its head high" after we came fifth in the Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow this weekend.

Perhaps the fact a song as rubbish as the one we entered this year can come fifth is proof there's still something wrong with the Eurovision's voting system; though having Andy himself on stage playing along was a stroke of genius, especially given the inclusion of judging panel votes this year.

I suspect one or two Euro-judges would have been influenced by seeing one of the world's most successful modern-day composers on stage when rating the UK's entry, what was possibly the dullest song in the history of the infamous Song Contest.

Lloyd-Webber was brought into the Eurovision venture this year after last year's UK entry came last.

He helped pick a singer - Jade Ewen - via a BBC talent show earlier this year - and then penned the song she'd sing, 'It's My Time', with Diane Warren.

Best showing since 2002

That, plus successful lobbying by the UK Eurovision team (and other Western European broadcasters whose funding is essential to make the big Contest happen) to bring back judging panels alongside public phone voting in a bid to counter Eastern European bias towards neighbouring counties, all seemed to pay off; a fifth placing makes 'It's My Time' the best performing UK Eurovision entry since 2002's 'Come Back'.

Lloyd-Webber told reporters:

"Jade performed brilliantly, as I knew she would. I am delighted with her fifth place finish. After so many years of disappointing results the UK can finally hold its head up high. I am sure that this will be a springboard for Jade and that she will go on to enjoy great success as an artist".

Lloyd-Webber and Warren's terrible song, though, will hopefully be forgotten for all time.

Although doing much better than in recent years, the UK was along way behind this year's winners, Norway, whose hyperactive fiddle-playing 23-year-old pretty-boy entrant, Alexander Rybak, penned his own song. Well done him.

Norton pulled it off

But given that most Brits watch Eurovision more to laugh at their European friends rather than really root for their own entry (especially when their own entry is so dire), the big question is did new commentator Graham Norton fill the very big hole left by Terry Wogan, who stood down as the BBC's chief Eurovision sarcasm provider last year.

The consensus from the TV reviewers today seems to be that, despite a bit of a shaky start, Norton managed to pull off the happy balance of curiosity, enthusiasm and all out contempt that Wogan managed for all those years. So, Norton finally delivers on all the millions the Beeb have been paying him then.

Additional reporting by CMU Network