Eurovision pop idol Alexander Rybak mobbed by fans in Norway

The winner of this year's Eurovision Song Contest has enjoyed a triumphant return to Norway. Alexander Rybak - whose self-penned entry Fairytale received a record 387 points - was mobbed by almost 3,000 fans after touching down at Oslo's Gardemoen airport. The 23-year-old violinist and singer, who was flanked by bodyguards, seemed surprised by the fuss he had created. Airport press officer Jo Kobro agreed that he had never seen anything like it. "We have had Manchester United here once. It was pretty many people here but nothing like this," he said. "I think we have managed without any serious injuries but it was of course many more people here than I thought should come today." Rybak, an ethnic Belorussian who grew up outside Oslo, lived up to his billing as the pre-contest favourite, beating off competition from 24 other finalists in Moscow. Iceland limped into second place with 218 points. Azerbaijan was third with 207. It was the third time Norway has triumphed in the competition. As winner, it enjoys the honour of hosting next year's contest.

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ITN | May 18, 2009

Tags:. .belorussian. .idol. .violinist. .triumphant. .oslo