Australia will be in this year's Eurovision

Ah, there's nothing more European than the Eurovision Song Contest, is there?

Organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest surprised fans this evening when they announced that Australia would be joining the competition for the first time.

In a promotional video with French-born Julia Zemiro, who acts as the presenter of the competition for Australian TV, it was announced that the nation would take part in the Grand Final - and would be allowed to vote, both in the final and semis.

Australia is being invited for the show's 60th anniversary, and is being called a once-off; but the rules of the competition mean that if Australia wins, it could return.

“It’s a daring and at the same time incredibly exciting move. It is our way of saying; let’s celebrate this party together!” said Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of the contest.

Ireland joined the competition in 1965, with further-flung nations such as Russia and Azerbaijan being added in the 1990s.

Australia, however, lying on the other side of the planet, would not be eligible under normal circumstances.

There are now 40 countries taking part in Eurovision 2015, which will take place on May 19, 21 and 23.