The Tory opposition leader at Waltham Forest Council says he is delighted that Bonnie Tyler has been picked to represent the UK at Eurovision - speaking in his day job as her manager.

Cllr Matt Davis, who has toured the world with the Welsh star, said he had been inundated with calls from the UK media since the announcement was made this morning, but has spoken exclusively to the Guardian.

The 63-year-old, best know for her 1983 hit Total Eclipse of the Heart, will perform new song Believe in Me at the song contest in Malmo, Sweden, on May 18.

Cllr Davis, who said he likes to keep his council work and day job separate, said he was overjoyed at the news.

He said: "It's been in the works for a little while now but when I found out I was delighted and very excited that she'd been chosen.

"I'm very much looking forward to it. I will be there at Eurovision and I'm not quite sure what to expect, but we've heard it's a fun week doing it.

"Whatever your views on it, if you're interested in music Eurovision is certainly compulsive viewing."

Cllr Davis, who has worked with Ms Tyler for 26 years but has been her manager for the last seven, is currently touring with her in Germany.

He added: "Bonnie's reaction to the news was the same as mine. She's delighted to be representing her country."

Bonnie Tyler's entry 'Believe in Me'

However the UK has had a mixed track record at the Europe-wide contest in recent years.

The country last won in 1997 with Katrina and the Waves's song Love Shine a Light, but has struggled to match that success since.

Ms Tyler's song has been written by American songwriter Desmond Child with British songwriters Lauren Christy and Christopher Braide, and hopes are high.

Cllr Davis added: "We hope and trust she will end up doing well. Bonnie has a lot of support in Europe so we're hoping that will help, but the most important thing to me is that she's representing the UK, which is a great honour."

Ms Tyler said in a statement: "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".

Cllr Davis has a long history in music, and was a guitarist in the briefly-signed punk outfit The Alsatians in his youth.

He then got into the industry after organising high-profile gigs including East London Rock Against Racism.