Now retired after more than 40 years in full-time journalism, Alan takes a wry look at life in the 21st Century. You can also read Alan's column every Monday in The Bolton News . . .
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BACK in 1968 my wife and I, on our honeymoon in Majorca, had to endure the televised shame of seeing Cliff Richard's Congratulations beaten into second place by La La La, the Spanish entry sung by Massiel.
Faced by a certain degree of local gloating in the hotel bar at the failure of the UK's golden boy, it was the first and last time that I have cared remotely about the Eurovision Song Contest.
But what's this?
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A Spanish television documentary-maker is claiming that the Spanish dictator, Francisco Franco, was so keen to improve Spain's international image that he sent corrupt TV executives across Europe to buy goodwill in the run-up to the contest.
They allegedly bought series that would never be broadcast and signed contracts with unknown groups and singers that were translated into votes.
This may well be a contender for non-story of the year, but Sir Cliff, as he is now, will be happy with the publicity ahead of his 50th anniversary tour this year.
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