Andrew Lloyd Webber is closer to solving a problem like the Eurovision after extensive negotiations with Vladimir Putin. Lord Lloyd-Webber was invited to the Russian Prime Minister’s dacha to discuss an end to the Eastern bloc vote that has denied British hopes, before next year’s Moscow final.

“I expected 15 minutes but we talked for 1 hour and 27 minutes,” said the peer, charged with selecting our song for Europe, at a London Capital Club lunch.

“Putin explained that there are many Russians living in Balkan countries and this influences their vote.

“He suggested a Russian Orthodox Church influence on Jesus Christ Superstar - he was correct - and we discussed the relationship between Islam and Christianity.”

Putin then complimented Lord Lloyd-Webber on his Variations piece for cello and introduced him to a Russian friend of his brother, Julian.

Putin promised his personal vote for the British entry. But now the peer, who has whittled down the finalists to six for a BBC series, must surely write a Balkan-influenced tune to convince the target electorate.

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