This year's Eurovision, which concludes with the all-important final on Saturday, has seen its fair share of controversy, from pro-Palestine boycotts to Netherlands' entry being banned from the latest rehearsals.
Olly Alexander, who's representing the UK, sparked some backlash earlier this year with his controversial remarks about the Union Jack flag, and now a former UK winner of the competition has slammed the remarks.
Back in March, 33-year-old Alexander branded the Union Jack flag "divisive" and "nationalistic," which sparked a huge outrage.
Some questioned why he was representing the UK in the show despite him admitting he felt "ambivalent" towards the flag.
Bucks Fizz star Cheryl Baker shared her thoughts on the comments recently and seemed to agree with the criticism.
Speaking to the Daily Express, the Eurovision legend, who won the show in 1981 along with her fellow Bucks Fizz members, stated: "The flag thing - I think that's a bit daft because, you know, a flag is exactly that - it's bringing together countries."
Barker gave her thoughts on Alexander's remarks
GB News/Eurovision
She continued: "I think that was a bit silly. He probably regrets it."
Alexander said earlier in the year: "I hope to reclaim the Union Jack in a positive way.
"When I’m going to be out there waving my flag… at the parade, it’s for all the good things that have come from growing up in the UK and being British."
The actor has also faced backlash more recently from pro-Palestinian protesters who have called for him to drop out of the competition.
Baker won the 1981 Eurovision Song Contest with Buck Fizz
Getty
Further mayhem continued to surround the competition as Netherlands' entry Joost Klein was banned from Friday's rehearsals.
While not many details have been shared, the move has thrown uncertainty around the 26-year-old's performance and whether or not he'll still be taking part in the competition.
Later on Friday, an interview with Alexander and entries from the other nations making up the "big five" was cancelled.
Alexander, along with acts for Italy, Germany, France and Spain, were scheduled to speak to media on Friday afternoon, but they pulled out of the chat.
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Baker deemed Alexander's remarks 'silly'
Eurovision
According to the Daily Mail, an email from organisers on the show read: "Please note that the big five and Sweden media conference originally scheduled for 18.30 (local time) has been cancelled because all artists want to focus on rehearsals."
