Updated - Large crowd welcomes Gianluca

Updated - A large crowd of people packed the airport arrivals lounge this morning to give a hero's welcome to Gianluca Bezzina on his return from the Eurovision Song Contest, where he placed eighth yesterday. Security officers had to struggle to control people as they surged towards the young doctor when he showed up at the arrivals lounge, applauding and cheering. Among them were members of his family and many people from his hometown Qrendi. Many are carrying Maltese flags, balloons, pictures of the singer and autograph books. Some children had 'Oh Oh' painted on their faces. Gianluca expressed his gratitude and said he had never expected such a warm welcome. He said he was overwhelmed by the whole Eurovision experience and the opportunity it had provided him to meet so many people.