Pogues' Fairytale of New York tipped for Christmas Number One, but who else is in the running?
It comes after the death of Pogues' frontman Shane McGowan
As the festive season approaches, the music industry is gearing up for the annual race to secure the coveted Christmas Number One spot in the charts.
Following the news of Shane MacGowan's passing yesterday morning it's widely expected his song with The Pogues and Kirsty McColl - Fairytale of New York will hit the top spot as a tribute to his life.
The competition for the Christmas Number One is not just about commercial success; it has become a cultural phenomenon with the power to shape the soundtrack of the season.
No Ladbaby single in 2023
For the last four years LadBaby has taken home Christmas Number 1, breaking all sorts of records, but this year says he's not making a single.
Previously Christmas Number 1 was almost reserved for the X Factor 'Winner's song' but that's one Christmas tradition that's been left in the attic.
Here are some of the other musicians and celebs going for the top spot:
Wham - Last Christmas
Another Christmas classic of over 30 years, Wham, comprised of Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael, can be heard around the world during the festive period.
Notably, the song has never made it to Christmas Number One. Could this be the year?
Rock Choir - I Wish it Could be Christmas
Rock Choir is a group made up of thousands of people from across the UK, joined in their love of singing.
They've appeared on Britain's Got Talent, This Morning and loads of other TV shows.
This year they're releasing their cover of Wizzard's 'I Wish it Could be Christmas Everyday' 50 years after the original, with money raised from sales going to Cash for Kids' Mission Christmas' appeal
Take a look:
Sidemen - Unknown
The group of Youtubers consisting of KSI, Miniminter, Zerkaa, TBJZL, Behzinga, Vikkstar123, and W2S haven't even confirmed that they'll make a track this year, but their massive popularity and online following, particularly among younger audiences put them in the top ten on the bookies favourites.