Unusually, the Swedish presenter announced the winner after only 35 of 39 countries had announced their vote, resulting in a strange anticlimax as the remaining four countries gave their result.

Azerbaijan placed second with ‘Hold Me’ (231 points) and Ukraine’s ‘Gravity’, performed by Zlata Ognevich came third (214), in the closest contest in years.

The United Kingdom’s ‘Believe in Me’, performed by 80s icon Bonnie Tyler placed at 19th with 23 points, scoring higher than Englebert Humperdinck’s entry in 2012

Ireland came last in the contest, with the lacklustre ‘Only Love Survives’, although no act ended with the notorious ‘nul points’.

The show kicked off in spectacular style with a brand new composition ”We Write the Story” by ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson with Swedish producer Avicii.

Interval entertainment was provided by reigning champion, Loreen, who performed a medley of songs including her winning track ‘Euphoria’ as well as unveiling her brand new single ‘We Got The Power’. Eurovision icon Carola performed her winning song from 1991 ‘Fångad av en stormvind’ during the gently mocking ‘Swedish Smörgåsbord’ – which took on the country’s unique quirks. Singer and presenter Sarah Dawn Finer, who’d earlier appeared as the EBU’s Lynda Wudruff in sketches earlier in the night covered ABBA’s classic single ‘The Winner Takes it All’.

So – that’s it! A winner crowned and the glitter has been packed away for another year. Join us later in the week for a full retrospective of this year’s incredible Eurovision 2013 journey.

The first gay-marriage may take place in France within the next 10 days after the Constitutional Council objected to a challenge that was intended to block the bill coming into power.

During his run for the presidency, Hollande declared that he would make every effort to legalise gay marriage as part of his socialist policies.

Opinion polls have shown a majority support for gay marriage in France for years, but adoption by same-sex couples has seen less support. The bill has passed following months of widespread protests by conservative and religious groups, some of which ended in clashes with police.

To help your party go with a swing, us helpful types at So So Gay have a couple of Euro goodies to assist the proceedings. First of all – the vitally important matter of the scores. Download our Eurovision Scorecard to rate the entries throughout the night, keep tabs on your faves and make notes on who exactly was that one who sang that song about that thing – 26 songs is an awful lot to remember and we are here to help. You can rate the entrants on song quality, vocal performance and really important things like attractiveness and punchability.
If you’re the kind of person that just can’t get enough paperwork at a party, we’ve also devised Eurovision Bingo for your entertainment. Give away prizes when your guests fill a whole line on the card, or even when they score a full house. We would – of course – absolutely not suggest using shots or any kind of alcohol as prizes. In fact, we would not advocate any kind of drinking during the serious business of the Eurovision Song Contest, or indeed ever. They call it mother’s ruin for a reason, you know.

If you’re still looking for inspiration for party food, check out our EUROedible feature (which includes the incredible Swedish flag martini); if you’re the gambling kind, take a look at our feature on the runners and riders and if you’re looking to swot up on Eurovision 2013 so that you can impress your guests with your Euro knowledge, take a look at our EUROvisual archive, containing a run down of the entrants in this years contest and an investigation into why the UK does so bloody badly of late.

Enjoy the show; make sure you share your score cards and general insight with us on the night @SoSoGay.

DOWNLOAD: Eurovision Scorecard 2013 | Eurovision Bingo 2013

The Eurovision grand final airs on BBC1 at 8pm on Saturday 18 May.

’17 Pieces’ is a collection of short stories by London-based Dean Newby that explores various types of love and the impact they have upon us. The collection is currently made up of 22 pieces that are written in different styles and voices, all with an autobiographical element.

The author says that the idea came as a result of a break up and a text from a friend a few days later saying ‘I’m sorry your heart has been broken into 17 Pieces. I’ll try to get them back for you.’ This book is a story about those 17 pieces.

The following excerpt is an example of what you can expect from the finished project. This is from part one of the collection, and what started it all (an unsent letter to Zak of Marble Arch).

‘Remember the night we first realised that something was going to happen between us? When we both looked at each other, and smiled warmly, knowingly. Those smiles are so rare.

That night we got back to yours from the club. The night your flatmate thought we were drunk (we were) and ‘crashing about’. Do you remember that? I still regret that I wasn’t there when she asked you about that. I’ve no doubt your face would have been a picture.’

‘…I still remember, for I am as you know, cursed with a memory of people, you posing a hypothetical question of one of us getting a boyfriend – and immediately thinking to myself, that we could be each other’s. I, in my usual, as George would say, unashamed way, calling you on it, stating not asking, that you were talking about getting back with your ex. From then you tried to explain, and I have to give it to you, it was a valiant and seemingly sincere effort on your part.

…that was probably the first time in my life that I have no recollection of when my tears started. I went from dry cheeks to an entire face covered in tears. Crying silently. Wanting so much not to let you go, not to allow this to happen. But, of course, I had no control over it. Whatever you felt for me, and I for you, just wasn’t enough.’

The Kickstarter project needs you to help in its publication and marketing. The link provides more information about how to get involved and where your money will go.

1. Sebastian Kehl

Footballer Sebastian Kehl didn’t seem impressed when an opposing player exposed his cock and balls during a game. We, on the other hand, were!

2. Ricky Berens

Super tight suits produced record times but also a rather embarrassing moment for two time Olympic gold medallist Ricky Berens.

Ricky Berens’ suit splits as he starts the race

Cheeky!

3. Venus Williams

Venus Williams caused a stir when she came on court in flesh coloured shorts giving the impression she was flashing the spectators with every shot played.

Going commando?

4. Paul Scholes

Paul Scholes was left red faced after his pop out during a match.

Ginger nuts

5. Adrian Morley

When rugby hard man Adrian Morley’s balls dropped out of his shorts, the rugby ball dropped out of his arms.

Dropped balls

6. Diego Forlan

When Diego Forlan scored for Manchester United, he pulled off his shirt to celebrate. The problem was, he had trouble putting it back on and ended up playing shirtless for a short while.

7. Water Polo

Water polo is a game that comes with a fair bit of rough an tumble as competitors use each other’s suits to gain an advantage. This often produces rather revealing moments.

Boobies

8. Igor Biscan

That awkward moment when your cock pops out during one of the biggest matches of the season. Igor Biscan’s wardrobe malfunction occurred during the Merseyside derby.

Awkward

9. Gillian Cooke

The last place you want your arse falling out of your outfit is just as you’re about to hurtle your way down a bobsleigh run as happened to GB’s Gillian Cooke.

Cool Runnings

10. Stuart Fielden

Rugby League player Stuart Fielden had the misfortune of his tackle being exposed mid tackle.

Nice tackle

11. Janet Jackson

She may not be a sports star but Janet Jackson is responsible for the term ‘wardrobe malfunction’ when her boob was exposed by Justin Timberlake during her half time performance of one of the biggest sporting events in the world, the Superbowl.

Nip slip

The run is taking place to raise money to save the drastically reducing number of Sumatran tigers. A pack of tigers is called a streak, which inspired the clever name for the fun run.

Kother posed the photographs, with only a bucket to protect himself from the chill of the May air. It’s hoped that his shots will encourage fundraisers to join him and enable the Zoological Society charity to continue its vital conservation work.

Lucy Osman, Challenge Events Manager said,  ’We’re thrilled to be holding such a daring and unusual event after hours at ZSL London Zoo.’

‘We’re hoping that by taking on this outrageous challenge, streakers’ friends and families will dig deep to show their support and help protect tigers around the world.’

There are around 300 Sumatran tigers present in the world today. 300 runners are being encouraged to join in the festivities – one to represent each of the tigers whose lives could be preserved.

If you would like to participate in Streak For Tigers you can find out more information at the Zooilogical Society of London website.

Hammond went on to say that the introduction of civil partnerships in 2005 had addressed the disadvantages that gay couples faced in comparison to straight couples. ‘I just never felt that this is what we should be focussing on’, he declared. ‘There is no huge demand for this.’

MP’s have been given a free vote on the equal marriage bill. Hammond hasn’t broken any parliamentary rules by speaking out against the decisions of the cabinet.

Cameron introduced the bill to highlight the modernising credentials of the Conservatives, but it’s clear from Hammond’s declaration that Cameron’s views don’t always reflect those of his party.

Plans to extend civil partnerships to heterosexual couples have been both criticised and supported from within the Conservative party. Some MPs say it represents consistency and equality whilst others believe they ought to be scrapped altogether should the equal marriage bill be passed.

News on the new Xbox comes after the PS4 was announced by Sony last month.

Duncan Jennings, co-founder of VoucherCodes.co.uk , said, ‘Buying a new games console is a big investment, especially around launch and with just six per cent of gamers saying they have no intention of upgrading their console, it will be interesting to watch the battle of the consoles unfold during coming months. Users can expect to see some big plays made with the technology behind both the Xbox 720* and Sony’s Playstation 4 as the tech giants fight it out to win our hard-earned cash.’

Other information that came out of the study, carried out by One Poll with 1500 gamers on 12 – 15 April 2013, said that 56% of users are hoping for 4k resolution, 25% want to learn more about the IllumiRoom feature (as there were compatibility concerns), and 40% wanting to see improved memory and storage.

VoucherCodes.co.uk brings together voucher codes, 2-for-1 restaurant vouchers, printable vouchers, deals and sales for hundreds of leading online stores, retailers and restaurants.

*Note – The name Xbox 720 is merely conjecture at this point and we will not know the name of the new console until next week. It is assumed to be this as Sony moved on to the Playstation 4, that Microsoft would follow suit with their new console, but nothing has been confirmed yet.

The LGBT Health and Wellbeing Centre, which is funded by the National Lottery, has been opened to tackle health inequalities faced by the LGBT community, the second largest city in the UK.

Centre manager Dave Viney said, ‘We are thrilled to be launching the UK’s first dedicated fitness space with the Warwick Rowers. It’s great to see homophobia in sport and homophobic bullying creatively challenged by a predominantly heterosexual sports team.’

The rainbow flag-raising is in recognition of International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO), calling for respect for the LGBT community, and to combat hate and prejudice.

Members of the LGBT Equality Forum, partner organisations and supporters will be joined by the new Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Robert Heron to mark the special occasion.

The Mayor, Councillor Heron, said: ‘Sunderland continues its support of IDAHO Day and this flag raising event demonstrates a commitment in understanding and celebrating the cultures that make Sunderland special.’

‘Sunderland is a city with a rich tapestry of diverse people and we support all parts of our community including those who can perhaps feel vulnerable or unrepresented at times. The City Council is a Stonewall Diversity Champion and it is only fitting that we use IDAHO Day to make it clear that unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation are unacceptable in our city.’

Ryan Houston, Chair of the LGBT Equality Forum added, ‘IDAHO day is celebrated across the world and marks the changing attitudes by organisations towards the fight for equality. Member organisations of Sunderland Partnership, Sunderland City Council, the University of Sunderland, Gentoo Group and Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Services have all been recognised as Stonewall Diversity Champions. This demonstrates that more organisations are recognising that people perform better when they can be themselves. The LGBT Equality Forum provides a place where people can share their views and experiences, raise issues and discuss ways in which we can find solutions.’

People who have experienced or witnessed homophobia or transphobia in Sunderland can report this to a confidential reporting line, Sunderland ARCH, on 08000 778 378 or visit any of a number of reporting centres throughout the city. Help and support is available and people can also report anonymously. For more information visit the Sunderland ARCH website.

The Forum is always looking for new people to join the group, to find out more call 0191 561 1285 or email: sunderlandpartnership@sunderland.gov.uk