Olly Alexander 'a good role model' says school

Alexander, who is representing the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest final on Saturday, grew up in Coleford in Gloucestershire and attended St John's Church of England Academy in the town.

Ahead of his big performance, his teachers and current pupils at the school have reflected on the 33-year-old's career so far.

Headteacher Joanne Peaper said staff "always knew" Alexander would go on to achieve big things.

'Really good song'

Alexander will perform his song "Dizzy" on Saturday, telling BBC Radio Gloucestershire that fans can expect a stage set that channels "a post-apocalyptic locker room hurtling through space".

Nine-year-old Cameron, a current pupil at St John's, said this weekend will be his second time watching Eurovision.

"I listen to Dizzy quite a lot, it's a really good song," he said.

"I'm just quite shocked Olly has come from St John's.

"He's a good role model for all of the children at St John's right now, and it shows everyone what kids can do."

Other children said they will be tuning into Eurovision for the first time on Saturday to watch their school's famous ex-pupil perform.

Katarina, eight, said it was "shocking and amazing" Alexander went to her school.

"I haven't even watched Eurovision yet, it's my first time but I'm really excited," she said.

"I play Dizzy every morning."

Class teacher Bernadette Lee said the children had been performing a medley of past Eurovision-winning songs in the build up to the event in Sweden.

On Friday, they will tuck into a lunch inspired by this year's host country, consisting of Swedish meatballs and chips.

"We're decorating the school. It's just exciting for the children to see where someone at St John's can get to," Miss Lee said.

"I know teaching assistants have mentioned he was really good in school performances, and you could see the potential when he was at St John's."

Meanwhile, headteacher Joanne Peaper taught Alexander in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

"Olly was always one of our high achievers here at St John's, I taught him in a small English group," Ms Peaper said.

"It was while he was here that he started writing the lyrics to some of his very early music."

Ms Peaper said it was "amazing" that Alexander was representing the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest.

"He's an excellent role model for all of our children here at St John's, I don't think they can actually believe someone who came here has achieved so much," she said.

"From talking to other colleagues who taught Olly, I think they always knew he would go on to do something like this.

"Good luck Olly!"

-bbc