Top UK Christmas Number One battles

The battle for Christmas Number One this year appears to be a three-horse race, with an NHS choir setting the early pace ahead of Justin Bieber with X Factor's Louisa Johnson now trailing behind.

Throughout the UK's pop history, giants of the music world have battled it out to be number one as the country tucks into Christmas dinner.

But, as history shows, sometimes the most coveted chart position of the year goes to an unlikely winner thanks to the fickle whims - or wily organisation - of British music fans.

ITV News takes a look back at some of the greatest clashes of Christmas past.

2009: Rage Against The Machine vs X Factor

Joe McElderry (left) didn't stand a chance against the power of social media. Credit: PA

A well-drilled Facebook campaign saw 'Killing In The Name' by the US rockers top the chart tree over Christmas in 2009, denying Joe McElderry's 'The Climb' any glory.

Originally released in 1992, this rather sweary tune broke the The X Factor's grip on the festive chart and showed musicians and marketers alike the rising power of social media.

2003: Gary Jules and Michael Andrews vs The Darkness

Gary Jules (left) and his haunting vocals won the day in 2003. Credit: PA

In the days before low-key acoustic covers of pop songs became standard in Christmas ads, Gary Jules and Michael Andrews rendition of Tears for Fears’ 'Mad World' took the air out of Santa's grotto and became a surprise - if not mood-killing - number one in 2003.

The Darkness, with their saccharine 'Christmas Time (Don't Let The Bells End), didn't stand a chance, in retrospect.

1993: Mr Blobby vs Take That

Take That partying with Mr Blobby in August 1993, prior to their festive battle. Credit: PA

Take That were at their peak in the early nineties and it was widely accepted they would cruise to Number One in the winter of 1993 with 'Babe'.

But a rambunctious pink-and-yellow fellow from Crinkley Bottom smashed through the studio wall and gatecrashed the boy band's party.

1981: Ultravox vs Joe Dolce

Ultravox (pictured in 1995, left) and Joe Dolce. Credit: PA/Youtube

Midge Ure and Ultravox were synth-pop royalty in the 80s, and "Vienna" - their festive offering - is now widely regarded as a timeless classic.

Not so in 1981, however. The British public, in their infinite wisdom, bought Joe Dolce's novelty 'Shaddap You Face' in their droves.

1973: Slade Vs Wizzard

Glam rockers Slade (left) had their best-selling number one in 1973. Credit: PA/YouTube

Slade's 'Merry Xmas Everybody' was their sixth UK number one and stayed at the top for five weeks - beating arch-Christmas rivals Wizzard and their equally-as-catchy 'I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday'.