We often say here that anyone can win our favourite TV show. They can have a dismal record, and then everything slots into place for one fateful year. Among those who had records that were patchy were the Netherlands.
So in 2016, the Dutch sent today’s birthday boy Douwe Bob Posthuma. He was resplendent in tattoos in interesting places. After a hiccup in 2015, Bob signalled six consecutive appearances in Grand Finals. His performance had one of those false endings that divide opinion. Not quite so with his fans as he managed fifth in his semi-final and then a coveted spot on the left-hand side of the scoreboard on the Saturday night.
Bob is 31 today.
Gefeliciteerd, Bob!