This five-piece group of friends originally got together in 2008 to perform as a Temptations tribute band. The guys are (from l-r): Julian, Gerod, Leon, Leroy and Fraser.

Julian: from West Yorkshire has been performing since the age of ten. A graduate from the Audrey Spencer Theatre School of Dancing, Julian went through the range of jazz, ballet, tap and contemporary dance during his training. His career has taken him from musical theatre roles as diverse as Bugsy Malone to Dancing In The Streets. He’s also performed on cruise ships around Europe, as well as spending five months in Oz in Miss Saigon.

Gerod: another from a large family (youngest of six), Gerod’s roots are from across the pond, hailing from Los Angeles, California – where he first trained at the Hollywood Performing Arts School. He’s since relocated to the UK, moving to the capital when he enrolled at London’s Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, aged 26. Gerod has a mixture of TV, film and theatre credits to his name, including the long-running American daytime soap Days Of Our Lives, and West End productions of Soul Train and Whistle Down The Wind.

Leon: as well being a backing dancer for the cream of the pop world – Destiny’s Child, Bjork and the Pet Shop Boys amongst them – South Londoner Leon’s numerous theatrical stage performances include Fame, Five Guys Named Moe and Tonight’s The Night.

Leroy: originally from Barbados, Leroy and his family moved to South London when he was a young boy. He’s enjoyed a successful career in dance, choreography and performance. His West End appearances range from Whistle Down The Wind to Singing In The Rain.

Fraser: recently married, Luton-boy Fraser has his family roots in Jamaica which he plans to visit with his wife for the first time on their belated honeymoon. The second youngest of six, Fraser has had a varied career in performance. His theatre work includes Five Guys Named Moe, The Lion King and Soul Train. He’s also been a member of The Flying Pickets and travelled with them around the world, as well as performing on two albums. Fraser is a graduate of Performing Arts and Contemporary Dance from Middlesex University where he met fellow finalist Damien Flood.

“As West End performers we’re all really nervous about performing in front of Andrew Lloyd Webber,” says Gerod, whose idea it was to get the band together. “We’re excited about the possibility of being the UK entry for Eurovision. Moscow here we come!”

The Emperors’ favourite Eurovision hits are –

Julian: Save All Your Kisses For Me by Brotherhood Of Man (1976) and Making Your Mind Up by Bucks Fizz (1981).

Leon: Love Shine A Light, by Katrina And The Waves, the UK song and contest winner in 1997.

Leroy: Even If, sung by Andy Abraham for the UK in Serbia last year.

Fraser: Cliff Richard’s Congratulations (1968) and Making Your Mind Up by Bucks Fizz.

Gerod: the German entry for 2000, Stefan Raab’s Wadde Hadde Dudde Da.