Bonnie Tyler is to represent the UK in the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest.

The 'Holding Out For A Hero' hitmaker feels ''honoured'' to have been chosen to take part in the 58th annual competition, which this year will take place in Malmo, Sweden, and be watched by an estimated global audience of over 120 million.

The Welsh star will perform new song 'Believe In Me' when the contest is held in May.

She said: ''I am truly honoured and delighted to be able to represent my country at Eurovision, and especially with such a fabulous song. I promise to give this everything that I've got for the UK!''

Katie Taylor, BBC Controller, Entertainment and Events added: ''Bonnie Tyler is truly a global superstar with a fantastic voice and we are delighted she will be flying the flag for the UK in Malmö.''

Bonnie will be hoping she does better than UK entrants in previous years.

In 2012, veteran crooner Engelbert Humperdinck could only manage 25th place - out of 26 entrants - while in 2011, boy band Blue were placed 11th.

In 2008 and 2010, the UK was ranked in last place, with Andy Abraham and Josh Dubovie representing their country in those years. 2009 fared slightly better, when now-Sugababes singer Jade Ewen came fifth.

The UK hasn't won Eurovision since Katrina and the Waves' 1997 triumph.

The Eurovision Song Contest will take place on Saturday 18th May. Last year's contest in Baku, Azerbaijan, was won by Swedish entry Loreen.