The decision of boyband Blue to represent the UK at this year's Eurovision Song Contest has been described by their former manager as"reckless insanity".
The four piece will perform the self-written song I Can at the annual competition, which will take place in May in Dusseldorf, Germany.
It is the first-time since 1997 that the UK has opted for an established act to represent the country at the event. On that occasion Katrina and The Waves triumphed with Love Shine A Light.
But Blue's former manager Daniel Glatman described the decision to enter the group as "reckless insanity".
He said: "They will have to win. Anything less and their reputation would be in tatters. It is the equivalent of Lewis Hamilton entering a go-kart race - he will be the strong favourite but there is also the possibility he could lose. So why risk it?"
Bookies suggested the UK entry stands only a slim chance of victory. William Hill list Blue as 25/1 outsiders. Only Jedward - entering for Ireland - have worse odds at 33/1. Last year's UK entry Josh Dubovie came last after his song - masterminded by hit-maker Pete Waterman - picked up just 10 points.
Formed in 2000, Blue had a two-year hiatus before reforming in 2009. Over their decade long-career, the band has sold more than 13 million records, winning two Brit Awards in the process.
A documentary following the four members of the band - Antony Costa, Duncan James, Lee Ryan and Simon Webbe - as they prepare for Eurovision is due to be filmed in the coming weeks and will be aired in April.
Announcing their Eurovision nod, James said: "We're celebrating our 10 years together in 2011, so when the BBC approached us it seemed a great way to mark the occasion and also to be part of something which is still a British institution,"
Webbe added: "I've always wanted to represent my country, so this is a truly exciting experience for Blue."
