X-Factor’s Leon a ‘certain’ for Christmas No 1

'X-Factor' winner Leon Jackson is “practically guaranteed” the Christmas number one spot, according to the bookies.

But the popularity of old Christmas favourites being downloaded for parties, as well as internet campaigns, could put a spanner in the works for the 18-year-old Scot’s' When You Believe' making it to the top spot.

The West Lothian teenager was the surprise winner of the ITV1 competition last night, beating hot favourite Welshman Rhydian Roberts, 24.

With just 1% in it, tearful Leon clinched the title, saying his victory was “the best Christmas present ever”.

A HMV spokesman said: “Leon as the winner has to be the overwhelming favourite to get the Christmas number one.”

He said predicted sales of Leon’s single could be up to 400,000 in the coming days.

The spokesman said that last year’s 'X Factor' winner “phenomenon” Leona Lewis saw her Christmas single 'A Moment Like This' shift more than 500,000 copies in four days.

The spokesman said: “You have a very motivated fan base who have been watching 'X Factor'.

“Millions of people will have voted last night.”

The spokesman said the 'X Factor' “steamroller” should be able to see off any competition unless the nation rallies around one song. Social networking site Facebook has campaigns to put 'Fairytale Of New York' — sung by Pogues singer Shane MacGowan and Kirsty MacColl two decades ago – at the top spot.

One comment on one of the groups appeared to show a backlash against the 'X Factor' and Christmas number one going hand in hand.

It read: “The Pogues HAVE to be No 1 this year – no more bloody 'X Factor'!”

The HMV spokesman described 'Fairytale Of New York' as an “iconic Christmas song”, adding: “Maybe it might gather some sort of momentum.”

Another old festive favourite creeping back up the charts is Mariah Carey’s 'All I Want For Christmas Is You'.

Longshot number one contenders include 'What A Wonderful World' by Katie Melua and Eva Cassidy as well as the Sugababes’ 'Change' and 'We’re All Going To Die' by Malcolm Middleton, HMV said.

Ladbrokes said Leon is a shoo-in for Christmas number one.

Spokesman Nick Weinberg said: “We closed our number one market over two weeks ago.

“Leon is practically guaranteed top spot. It will be a massive surprise if he doesn’t record the festive chart topper.”

William Hill put Leon as the 1/6 favourite to have the Christmas number one.

Article courtesy of The Evening Echo newspaper