'Hump' carries Elvis gift for luck

Engelbert Humperdinck will be carrying a prized gift from Elvis Presley to bring him luck as he performs in the Eurovision Song Contest tomorrow night.

The crooner is one of a handful of people from the King's circle of friends who were given one of his TCB necklaces - which stands for "taking care of business".

And the 76-year-old will have the treasured trinket with him when he represents the UK in Baku, Azerbaijan, against other acts from around Europe.

A source said: "He has it in his pocket all the time, to bring him luck.

"Only a few exist and they are priceless, Elvis only gave them to his friends. He wants to channel some of his charisma and spirit for his Eurovision performance."

Engelbert will be up against acts such as Irish contestants Jedward when they perform at the kitsch and glittery show in Baku's Crystal Hall.

Bookmaker William Hill now puts both acts at 14-1 to win the competition and said Eurovision has proved a huge money-spinner for the betting industry this year.

The firm predicts that more than £10 million will have been paid out in stakes for this year's competition, but it said Sweden is favourite to win among UK fans, rather than chart veteran Engelbert.

"Taking Care of Business" was a personal motto of Elvis, and also the name of the main group of musicians who formed his backing band. He had the initials TCB painted on the tail of his personal jet, along with a lightning flash.