Sources at the X Factor claim that Simon Cowell is talking about scrapping the traditional group charity single this year.

Usually, the finalists record a song together, the proceeds of which are then donated to charity. This year however, Cowell is talking about the winner’s single being for charity instead.

Many say that this is just another gimmick by the music mogul to ensure that the single will take the Christmas number one this year.

Previously a certainty to get to Christmas number one, the winner’s single has not achieved this accolade every year since a Facebook campaign back in 2009 saw that Joe McElderry’s single The Climb was pipped to the post by Rage Against the Machine’s single Killing in the Name.

A show insider told newspaper The Sun “This way all they’ll be doing is starving a charity of cash if they campaign against it”.

Although last year’s winners Little Mix got to number one with their single Cannonball, the Christmas number one was taken by the Military Wives.

A decision hasn't been made for certain yet but there is a lot of buzz from everyone at the show around the idea.

{fcomment}