Conchita's win 'the end of Europe', says Russian party leader

Russia's Vladimir Zhirinovsky insists Conchita Wurst's Eurovision Song Contest win symbolises the "end of Europe".

The bearded drag queen - whose real name is Thomas Neuwirth - won the 2014 competition on Saturday night, but has now been slammed by the leader of Russia's Liberal Democratic Party.

According to The Sun newspaper, Zhirinovsky said: "There is no limit to our outrage. It is the end of Europe. They don't have men and women anymore - they have 'it'."

Conchita - who won the competition for Austria with her song 'Rise Like a Phoenix' - accepted her award by thanking supporters of equality and freedom.

She said: "This night is dedicated to everyone who believes in a future of peace and freedom. We are unity and we are unstoppable.

"I share the opinion that this was not a victory just for me but for the people who believe in a future that works without discrimination and is based on tolerance and respect. This transcends borders."

Russian president Vladimir Putin has recently come under fire for introducing "anti-gay" laws which restrict the spreading of information described as promoting "non-traditional sexual relations", and his country's entry into the competition were greeted with boos at the live final.

Meanwhile, during a live TV debate Filipp Kirkorov, the producer of the Russian entry's song, claimed that Austria's winning contestant should serve to change the attitudes of Russian politicians.

He told Rossiya-1 television: "Maybe this is a kind of protest against some of our views in Russia. Maybe we should have a think. Maybe we shouldn't have such a categorical attitude to people of different sexual orientations."