X Factor 'not certainty' for Christmas number one
X Factor winner's single 'not certain' to claim Christmas number one
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Wednesday, 26, Nov 2008 03:01
It may be the favourite but the debut single from this year's X Factor winner is not a certainty to claim the Christmas number one spot, industry experts say.
The winner of the ITV1 reality show has topped the charts during the festive season for the past three years, with Leon Jackson the last to take the accolade with When You Believe.
And bookmakers have predicted that this Christmas will again be soundtracked by an X Factor single, whether it is performed by Diana Vickers, Ruth Lorenzo, JLS or another of the remaining contestants.
But according to music retailers HMV, there are a number of other acts which have a chance of reaching the number one spot this Christmas.
"You sense a growing desire among the media and wider record-buying public for a genuine challenger to emerge so that we can have a more open race for the Christmas number one again, and it wouldn't be a total surprise if a campaign took hold aimed at stopping the X Factor claiming yet another number one," said spokesman Gennaro Castaldo.
"Of the current contenders you wouldn't bet against the likes of Terry Wogan and Aled Jones given they have the might of the Radio 2 listenership to call on, as will Katie Melua, who is a firm favourite of the station.
"Peter Kay, likewise, already has a hat-trick of number ones to his name, and he knows how to connect with the British public and media. He'll also be boosted by Gary Barlow guesting on the single, and, who knows, in these rather doom-laden times, a comedy novelty Christmas hit might just be what we all want."
Castaldo also cited the success of the recent X Factor charity single as a note of encouragement for Victoria Hart, who has recorded a cover of Santa Baby with The Household Guards Division Big Band at the Wellington Barracks.
All proceeds raised from the single go toward the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF), which supports serving soldiers, former soldiers and their families.
Other potential Christmas number ones include singles from Glasvegas, Ricky Hatton and Friends and Rolf Harris and the Fron Male Choir, Castaldo added.
According to William Hill, the odds for the 2008 Christmas Number One are:
1/5 Winner of X Factor
4/1 Sir Terry Wogan & Aled Jones
10/1 Victoria Hart
12/1 Take That
14/1 Peter Kay & Gary Barlow
25/1 Rolf Harris & Fron Male Choir
25/1 The Priests
25/1 Bob The Builder
33/1 Glasvegas
33/1 Ricky Hatton & Friends
50/1 Bar