Kerrie-Anne Phillips' love affair with music began at the age of 5 when she began singing at her church.

She gradually progressed into bigger performances with a community youth choir and now at age 32, the Mitcham woman is on the verge of representing the UK at this year's Eurovision.

But to get to this point has been no easy task for Kerrie-Anne.

"I moved to Dubai in 2010 as a primary school teacher working in an international school," she said.

"At a party, I was casually asked if I could sing and was subsequently offered a six nights a week gig at a popular jazz club.

"Working two jobs as a teacher and singer became challenging and one had to make room for the other.

"I decided to choose singing as my main and only career. This then saw me performing at high profile social event and corporate occasions."

Then in 2015 she left Dubai to embark on a new adventure back in the UK

She went on the X Factor and reached the 'judge's houses' stage as part of Simon Cowell's group.

Since then she has been travelling the world, perfecting her craft.

Now she has a chance to travel to Israel and compete against some of the best and singers around Europe.

But she has to get voted in first.

This Friday (February 8), Kerrie-Anne will be taking part in Eurovision You Decide 2019 - the UK's song selection process for the big show in May.

"I wanted a chance to represent my country with a great song that I knew would resonate with the rest of Europe," Kerrie-Anne said.

"My song is called 'Sweet Lies' and tells my tale as a vulnerable lover in denial, where deep down I know that my relationship is failing but I don't want to accept the truth, and so keep urging my partner to tell me 'sweet lies' and give me 'sweet highs'.

"The version I deliver is an uptempo dance song with a 90s vibe in contrast to the ballad version of the same song that will be song on the night by another contestant.

"In this competition, I hope to win the UKs hearts and trust in me representing our nation in Israel."

The format for the 2019 song and artist selection comprises a ‘song off’ with three songs and six contestants, where two contestants will battle it out with their version of each song.

To place your vote and see how the story unfolds, tune into BBC Two this Friday at 7.30pm.