Olly Alexander has been slammed by concerned Eurovision Song Contest fans after a sneak peek at rehearsals for his song Dizzy was shared on social media.
As part of the competition's 'Big Five', the United Kingdom is automatically granted a spot in Saturday's grand finale in Sweden and the Years and Years singer is hoping Dizzy will do enough to impress the continent's music fans.
Alexander, who's already been the subject of controversy for agreeing to perform amid Israel's inclusion, has sparked debate again now that dress rehearsals have begun.
In a clip shared to the BBC Eurovision Instagram account, the 33-year-old can be seen rehearsing alongside four male dancers.
Alexander is seen wearing a white vest and tight red trousers which exaggerate his crotch area.
The four male dancers, meanwhile, are all topless and wearing rather skimpy red boxing shorts and jock straps.
As the rehearsal continues, red, white and black lights illuminate the stage while all four dancers and Alexander himself writhe around the floor and make very suggestive moments.
At one point, the dancers break into pairs and begin straddling one another while there's plenty of suggestive tongue-wagging and hip thrusting as well.
The BBC Eurovision account appeared to find nothing wrong with the nature of the rehearsal as it penned in the accompanying caption: "Come through @ollyalexanderr If this is just the rehearsal, just know we’re in for a SHOW #Eurovision2024."
But it soon transpired plenty had a lot to say in opposition to the routine, including one who fumed in the comments: "Horrible. Family friendly? It looks like a pornographic movie..."
A second similarly hit out: "I think this year's song is awful, Olly is great, but song is awful. Also, my eldest wanted to watch Eurovision for the first time, and I am absolutely all for love is love, and you can love whoever you want, but....it's a bit too close to the cuff isn't it..."
WATCH HERE: Olly Alexander performs Dizzy on Saturday Night Takeaway
"Looks like porn lol yikes," a third added before a fourth slammed: "I’m gay and have supported you in the past however I’m completely cringing at this…. How embarrassing."
Another vowed to switch off: "I'm agreeing with most of these posts..love the song, wish him luck, but sorry I won't be watching this with my kids."
"This is way too over sexualised tbh," a sixth weighed in: "This is something for OnlyFans not for Eurovision."
Even those who tried to defend the routine were on the fence, including one who argued: "Explicit isn’t the right word, but it’s a bit too much for my taste. But I like at least that we’ve gone for something edgy and different."
However, some praised Alexander's stage performance, including another who hit back: "Some people are gonna hate this but this is a GOOD THING.
"This is DIFFERENT to all the other stagings. This is a serve, and I love this daring move from the BBC." (sic)
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Eurovision fans aren't happy with the nature of Olly Alexander's routine
BBC
Alexander will be taking to the stage in Malmo, Sweden on Saturday night to try and win for the UK.
However, bookmakers are pricing the UK's hopeful as a rank outsider to win on the night, with Croatia emerging as a likely victor.
