Molly Smitten-Downes set to represent the UK's at Eurovision 2014

Unsigned singer/songwriter Molly Smitten-Downes will represent the United Kingdom at Eurovision 2014.

Singer/songwriter Molly Smitten-Downes has been chosen to represent the UK at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest with her track Children Of The Universe.

The news was revealed by BBC Radio 1 presenter Scott Mills during a special broadcast via the BBC’s Red Button at 7:30 this evening.

26-year-old Molly hails from Rothley in Leicestershire. She came to the attention of the BBC though the broadcaster’s Introducing initiative.

"I'm so excited for everyone to hear Children of the Universe," said Molly. "To represent the United Kingdom in such a huge competition, not only as a singer and performer but as a songwriter is an unbelievable honour. I hope I can do us proud."

In recent years, the UK has been represented by acts such as Bonnie Tyler, Engelbert Humperdinck and Blue. However, despite their profile, they have failed to win a significant amount of votes in the competition.

Speaking ahead of this evening’s announcement Guy Freeman, the executive producer of the BBC’s Eurovision coverage, revealed that the UK’s entry for this year's Eurovision Song Contest would be an unknown artist.

"It’s clear there’s a disconnect between what kind of songs and artists are now winning Eurovision, versus the stereotype that many people – including much of the music industry - still hold in their minds,” he said. “Yes, novelty songs and acts do still turn up in the show, provide great entertainment and make good press – but they don’t tend to win.

"So, early on in plans for 2014, we took the view that we needed a bespoke, contemporary song, written specifically to suit the conditions of the competition – rather than trying to get lucky with a pre-existing track from an artist."

Tonight’s announcement coincides with the 57th anniversary of the UK’s first appearance in the annual song contest. Molly's song will be our 57th Eurovision entry (the UK did not compete in 1956 and 1958).

In related news, on Friday (February 28) Ireland chose their entry for this year’s Eurovision. Can-linn FT Kasey Smith’s Heartbeat fought off tough competition from former X Factor contestant Eoghan Quigg’s The Movie Song. You can listen to Heartbeat below: