Christmas Number 1 Betting Odds: Pogues Favourite To Win

by Luke Andrews, 12 December 2023

The Christmas Number One, in the UK, occupies a position within popular culture, representing not only commercial triumph but also a longstanding holiday custom. This sought-after position on the UK Singles Chart attained during Christmas week signifies more than popularity; it mirrors the nation’s festive atmosphere and musical preferences. Join Luke as he takes a nostalgic look at Christmas number ones and shares the latest Christmas number one betting odds for this year.

Table of Contents

Christmas Number One – Cultural Importance in the UK

Throughout history, the UK Christmas Number One has served as a reflection of the changing music landscape and societal shifts. Since its introduction in the 1950s, this iconic chart-topper has encapsulated the spirit of the times from the era of rock ‘n. Roll to the emergence of reality TV sensations in the 2000s. The continued interest in the charts has led to a boom in Christmas number 1 betting.

It’s a phenomenon that captures the attention of both media and eager fans every year. The race for this position extends beyond music; it is deeply intertwined with the UK festive celebrations, marking a joyous pinnacle in our cultural calendar. Many of us have memories of sitting around the TV to watch Top of the Pops at Christmas.

Betting on the Christmas Number One

The UK Christmas Number One competition becomes more exciting with the inclusion of betting odds. Bookmakers analyse factors, such as chart performance and social media trends, to predict which song will claim the spot. These odds give us insight into opinion and industry expectations and turn the race for Number One into an engaging game that captivates both music enthusiasts and the betting community.

The changing odds leading up to Christmas provide a thrilling way for people to participate in the charts, injecting a competitive spirit into the festive season’s music scene.

It’s also a way for some people to make money by correctly predicting the winner. In the same way some people only ever bet on the Grand National each year, betting on the Christmas number one is just as popular as betting on a white Christmas.

It’s no surprise to see Fairytale of New York instilled as the heavy favourite by UK betting sites after Shane MacGowan, the legendary frontman of The Pogues, passed away at the age of 65^[2].

Known for his profound impact on music, particularly with hits like “Fairytale of New York,” MacGowan’s journey ended following a battle with encephalitis. His life was marked by both his extraordinary musical talent and his struggles with substance abuse.

MacGowan, who was born to Irish immigrant parents in Kent, was the leader of The Pogues from 1982 until their breakup in 2014. His style combined punk and traditional Irish beats, creating an innovative music genre. His talent as a poet, made him highly regarded among his peers and considered a voice of his generation. Despite facing health difficulties and having been confined to a wheelchair since 2015, MacGowan never ceased to inspire others through his expressions. Despite being a mainstay of Christmas, Fairytale of New York never reached number one in the UK.

It did, however, reach number two in 1987 ^[1]. Bookies believe this will be the year the song finally hits the top, offering 4/6.

Some big names are in the running, including Wham (11/2), Mariah Carey (20/1), Taylor Swift (20/1), Sam Ryder (20/1) and AC/DC (28/1).

Christmas is a time of miracles, and some betting outsiders will hope for Yuletide’s joy. The brains behind the Boris Johnson songs, which reached number five in 2020 and 2021, have rebranded as the Krackpots ^[3]. With a legion of loyal fans behind them and a tech-savvy marketing campaign, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them break into the top 10.

You can read my exclusive interview in which I discuss ‘Proper Christmas’ on the X link below;

I set the record straight about my involvement with The Krackpots (whoever they are) in an interview with Luke Andrews (the Michael Parkinson of online betting).https://www.bestbettingsites.com/uk/blog/christmas-number-one-proper-christmas-no-sausage-rolls.html

— Krackpots (and the Gang) (@kuntandthegang) December 13, 2023

History of UK Christmas Number Ones

The inception of the UK Singles Chart dates back to 1952^[4], first published in the New Musical Express. The chart positions are determined by weekly sales, initially tallied from Sunday to Saturday until 2015, and thereafter from Friday to Thursday. Before 1987, the charts were published on Tuesdays, a schedule necessitated by the manual calculation process.

The competition for the coveted Christmas number-one spot intensified in 1973, marked by a deliberate release of festive tracks by glam rock bands Slade and Wizzard, aiming for the top spot during the Christmas season. Slade’s “Merry Xmas Everybody” triumphed over Wizzard’s “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday”.

The announcement of the Christmas number-one single on Christmas Day itself began only in 1994. From 2002 to 2014, reality TV show winners frequently dominated the Christmas number one race, often clinching the top spot in the week leading up to Christmas. Popstars initiated this trend: The Rivals contestants, who occupied the top three positions in the Christmas chart.

Between 2005 and 2014, The X Factor winners secured the number-one position seven times. In 2007, the X Factor single was so heavily favoured that bookmakers shifted focus to bets on the “Christmas Number Two” song. In a notable upset in 2009, Rage Against the Machine’s 1992 track “Killing in the Name” surpassed Joe McElderry following a widespread Facebook campaign, becoming the first download-only single to achieve Christmas number one and setting a record for the most downloads in a single week in UK chart history.

However, similar campaigns in 2010 supporting acts like Biffy Clyro, John Cage, and the Trashmen did not replicate this success.

In 2011, the Military Wives choir, led by Gareth Malone from the reality show The Choir, outperformed X Factor winners Little Mix and several social media-driven novelty acts. The following year, a supergroup rendition of “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother”, in support of Hillsborough disaster charities, clinched the top spot over X Factor’s James Arthur.

With the UK Charts’ transition to Friday releases, the Christmas number one is now announced on Christmas Day when it falls on a Friday, as seen in 2015 and 2020.

Notably, the 2015 chart was the first not to feature an X Factor winner’s single in the top two in ten years. Since 2018, Amazon Music has released exclusive festive tracks by artists like Justin Bieber, Jess Glynne, and Ellie Goulding, yet none have secured the top Christmas chart position. However, Goulding’s track later achieved number one.

In recent years, unconventional acts, particularly novelty songs for charity, have seen success. Notably, YouTuber LadBaby achieved number one consecutively from 2018 to 2022, each time supporting the Trussell Trust, before choosing not to release a Christmas single in 2023.

Overview of the history of UK Christmas Number Ones ^[4].

Artists who achieved Christmas number-one hit in the UK during the 1950s include Al Martino, Winifred Atwell, Dickie Valentine, Emile Ford and the Checkmates.

Artists who achieved Christmas number one hits in the UK during the 1960s include Cliff Richard and the Shadows, Danny Williams, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Tom Jones, The Scaffold, and Rolf Harris.

Artists who achieved Christmas number-one hits in the UK during the 1970s include Dave Edmunds, Benny Hill, Jimmy Osmond, Slade, Mud, Queen, Johnny Mathis, Wings, Boney M., and Pink Floyd.

For the 1980s, artists who achieved Christmas number-one hit in the UK include St Winifred’s School Choir, The Human League, Renée and Renato, The Flying Pickets, Band-Aid, Shakin’ Stevens, Jackie Wilson, Pet Shop Boys, Cliff Richard, Band Aid II.

In the 1990s, the artists who topped the UK Christmas charts were Cliff Richard, Queen, Whitney Houston, Mr Blobby, East 17, Michael Jackson, Spice Girls, and Westlife.

From 2000 to 2022, artists who achieved Christmas number one hits in the UK include Bob the Builder, Robbie Williams and Nicole Kidman, Girls Aloud, Michael Andrews and Gary Jules, Band Aid 20, Shayne Ward, Leona Lewis, Leon Jackson, Alexandra Burke, Rage Against the Machine, Matt Cardle, Military Wives with Gareth Malone, The Justice Collective, Sam Bailey, Ben Haenow, Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Choir, Clean Bandit, Ed Sheeran, and LadBaby.

Memorable Christmas Number Ones

In the next section, we shall take a look at some of the memorable Christmas Number Ones, exploring the unique and enduring songs that have captured the festive spirit over the years. This journey through musical history will highlight various artists and tracks that have left a lasting impression during the holiday season, showcasing the diversity and charm of Christmas music.

Al Martino “Here in My Heart”

Al Martino, a singer who started in 1952, achieved a milestone with his song “Here In My Heart “, which became Britain’s first No. 1 single.

Born Alfred Cini in 1927 to parents who immigrated to South Philadelphia, Martino initially worked in his father’s masonry business. Performed at social clubs. His career took off when he adopted his grandfather’s name, Al Martino and released his debut song, which also reached the top of the charts in America.

Despite encountering challenges such as management issues and associations with underworld figures, Martino temporarily relocated to Great Britain.

Over time, Martino adapted his style. Found success with listening hits in the United States. It is noteworthy that he managed to remain relevant in the changing music industry when his record label, Capitol Records, shifted its focus towards The Beatles.

He showcased versatility as a singer and an actor, notably portraying Johnny Fontane in “The Godfather.” Some believed this character mirrored aspects of his life, although others speculated it was based on Frank Sinatra.

Martino continued performing into his years by maintaining a healthy lifestyle that preserved the quality of his voice. He remained a figure in the UK. He made regular appearances until he passed away in 2009.

He will always be remembered for his timeless songs such as ” Eyes” and his contribution to music history as the artist responsible for Britain’s first number-one hit on the charts.

The Beatles – The First to Retain Christmas Number One Title

In the illustrious panorama of The Beatles’ career, their Christmas Number One singles occupy a distinguished place. Commencing in 1963 with the phenomenal “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” this track was monumental, securing over a million advance orders, thus propelling it straight to the apex of the charts. It dominated not merely the festive charts but maintained its top position for five weeks, symbolising the band’s unparalleled supremacy in the musical landscape of the time.

1964 witnessed the release of “I Feel Fine,” another chart-topping marvel that extended its reign beyond the UK, achieving number one status in the USA, Ireland, the Netherlands, Canada, and Sweden, among others. Its position as the fifth highest-selling single of the 1960s in the UK underscores The Beatles’ extraordinary influence during this era.

Their third consecutive Christmas hit, the double A-side “Day Tripper/We Can Work It Out,” graced the festive season of 1965. “Day Tripper,” primarily the brainchild of John Lennon, and “We Can Work It Out,” a collaborative effort between Lennon and McCartney, represented an innovative musical direction for the band. This single further cemented The Beatles’ dominance in the UK’s musical panorama, ranking as the seventh highest-selling single of the 1960s.

1967 saw The Beatles clinching their fourth and final Christmas Number One with “Hello, Goodbye.” Primarily penned by Sir Paul McCartney and coupled with John Lennon’s “I Am The Walrus” as the B-side, it triumphed in charts across numerous English-speaking countries. However, this victory was tinged with a sense of poignancy, being the first release following the death of their manager, Brian Epstein, earlier that year

From 1963 to 1969, The Beatles created a unique tradition of sending Christmas messages to their fan club members in the UK and the US.

These messages, recorded on flexi discs, combined the group’s gratitude towards fans, skits, carols, and original compositions. The first disc in 1963 included renditions of “Good King Wenceslas” and a chorus of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Ringo”.

Each year’s recording showcased the band’s evolving creativity and humour, with 1967’s edition being an elaborate production for a fictional BBC radio show and 1968’s featuring a collage of sounds and individual messages.

The final record in 1969 reflected the band’s dissolution with individual contributions, including a visit with Lennon and Ono at Tittenhurst Park. Although not generally released until 2017, bootleg versions circulated, and excerpts appeared in various forms over the years, like the 1995 single “Christmas Time (Is Here Again)”

Novelty Christmas Number Ones

Before LadBaby’s recent monopoly of novelty Christmas number one, it had been some time since a novelty song accomplished such a feat. The previous instance was 18 years ago, with Bob the Builder’s “Can We Fix It?”.

The realm of Christmas novelty songs is diverse and unforgettable. Who could possibly forget Mr Blobby, whose self-titled song became incredibly catchy in 1993?

Then there is the heartwarming melody from St Winifreds School Choir titled “There’s No One Quite Like Grandma,” which captured hearts in 1980.

Going back in 1968 The Scaffolds “Lily The Pink” became the first novelty song to claim the top spot on the Christmas charts bringing humour and cheer to the festive season.

Manchester United fans know this song well as it was adopted to honour the former club captain, Eric Cantona^[5];

“Weeeeeeeeeeeeee’ll drink a drink a drink, To Eric the King, the King, the King, He’s the leader of our football team, He’s the greatest French footballer, That the world has ever seen.”

Back to the subject of novelty Christmas number ones, these light-hearted and whimsical songs hold a special place in music history, particularly during the holiday season, when they bring a distinct type of joy and nostalgia to listeners of all generations.

2023 Christmas Number One – Final Thoughts

I embarked on a fascinating journey through the world of Christmas music, starting with the odds for the sought-after title of 2023’s Christmas Number One.

The adventure included a nostalgic trip, exploring the stories of past winners and their impact on holiday music traditions. Along the way, I fondly remembered and shared beloved songs from previous Christmases, each with unique charm and nostalgia.

This exploration highlighted the constantly evolving trends in festive music and honoured the lasting joy and spirit these songs add to every holiday season.

While streaming and digital purchases have revolutionised how we access and purchase music, there is still huge interest in the music industry, and it is still the ultimate honour to claim the Christmas number one.

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