A rival entrant in this year's Eurovision said he hopes that Brexit doesn't impact the way people vote for England.

The Netherland's entry in this year's competition, Duncan Laurence was named favourite to win this year's contest in Tel Aviv, Israel, shortly after releasing his anthemic ballad Arcade in March.

But the singer-songwriter told the Press Association that it would be a shame if England entrant Michael Rice was hindered by something he could not control.

"I hope not because Michael has nothing to do with Brexit," Laurence said.

"I hope not. It's that thing, which I don't really like, the Europeans are like, 'Ha, you did this to yourself'.

"I don't like that vibe at all.

"We need each other. You need Europe. We need England.

"It would be so weird if people didn't vote for Michael because of Brexit. I hope not."

According to bookmaker Ladbrokes the Netherlands' candidate is favourite with odds of 2/1, while 21-year-old Rice is 100/1.

Born and raised in Hartlepool, County Durham, the 21-year-old Rice made his small screen debut aged 16 when he auditioned for The X Factor.

He later appeared on the BBC's All Together Now and swept to victory in 2018, transforming him from quiet busker to genuine performer in the process.

Earlier this year he competed against five other acts to win Eurovision: You Decide and represent the UK with the song Bigger Than Us in Tel Aviv.