SERBIA'S fist-clenching Marija Serifovik won the Eurovision Song Contest while UK's Scooch finished joint second last.

Marija had been second favourite, so her victory wasn't unexpected. Also predictable are protests about the "flawed" voting system - and the Eastern bloc vote.

TV viewers across Europe and elsewhere were treated to a magnificent show on Saturday night.

Terry Wogan, doing his usual brilliant job for BBC1, was right to lavish praise on the "wonderful staging" - and the two main presenters. He also singled out at least one error of judgement by the production team. "The girl in the pink frock... a brave effort."

But even our Tel sounded a little weary as the three hours and 15 minutes of Eurovision drew to a close. "Hardly the most memorable music you've ever heard in your life," he commented over the closing credits. "As always, it's great fun, wonderful to do."

The four main sponsors of the contest, all from western Europe, did badly.

France was the other country in joint second bottom place with the UK, while Germany finished 19th and Spain 20th out of 24.

Just two countries voted for the UK - Ireland gave us seven points and Malta awarded Scooch a maximum 12.

You could argue that those votes for the UK were also an example of block voting, and calls have already been made for a review of the system. Those demanding the UK withdraw might have more ammunition, should we ever enter a top song and do badly.

But for millions, the Eurovision Song Contest is simply a night of daft entertainment, with the crazy voting just part of the nonsense. Scooch singer Caroline Barnes got it right when she said: "I laughed so much I cried at the voting."

Catch up with all the latest behind the scenes news from the world of television on Ian Wylie's great blog, The Life of Wylie, and for more on Eurovision see Peter Devine's blog. Both blogs at http://blogs.manchestereveningnews.co.uk

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