The race for the Christmas Number One in the UK is heating up and there are many exciting artist's and songs in the hunt. James Arthur, who prevailed as the X Factor winner, is in front right now, but does he have the staying power to hold the spot a week longer?

On December 23 the Christmas Number One is to be revealed and it appears that the Hillsborough Charity single "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" is a touted favourite with the bookies. With the legendary artist, Sir Paul McCartney, highlighting the occasion, the Justice Collective hosts a group that also lists Shane MacGowan, Robbie Williams, Paloma Faith, and Kenny Dalglish. It should be known that Sir Paul McCartney has put together a total of 7 Christmas Number One songs in the United Kingdom. He scored 4 of those when he was part of the Beatles. He managed 2 more with various versions with Band Aid and one with the Wings.

The question apparent is whether or not "The Power of Love" by Gabriella Aplin will make it's way back, or if "Impossible" by James Arthur, his outstanding debut, can find a way to hold onto the number one spot yet another week. It is quite conceivable that "The Power of Love" could establish more staying power because it is part of the John Lewis advert being repeated almost nightly on the telly.

Prior to the era when the X Factor emerged as new rulers of the Christmas spot recordings of a novelty nature fared rather well. As a matter of fact, back in 1993, Mr Blobby took the Number One and in 2000 the Number One spot belonged to Bob The Builder.

Although he has assembled over 3.6 billion views with his single on YouTube, Muhammad Shahid Nazir, who did not fare so well with the X Factor, could still be in the hunt with his £1 Fish Song.

Santa's sack is full of many other contenders for the Christmas Number One as well including the Group Girl's Aloud, which scored the number one a decade ago with their very first song entitled "Sound of the Underground." The group has only recently gotten back together and are serious challengers once again with "Cause You Love Me."

For over a quarter of a century Kylie has been riding high and she plans to continue that milestone with her revamped version of "On a Night Like This," which she originally released in 2000. She made a strong run at the Christmas Number One back in 1988, when her collaboration with Jason Donovan, "Especially For You" fell short to "Mistletoe and Wine" which was recorded by Cliff Richards.

Robbie Williams, the chap who hails from Stoke biggest challenge may come from himself as he has his collaboration on the Hillsborough entry and "Different on Monday," which he recently released. He won the Christmas Number One in 2001 with "Somthin' Stupid," his Nicole Kidman collaboration, but can he do it again?

Just a year ago it was Gareth Malone's Military Wives Choir's big debut "Wherever You Are" that scored the Christmas Number One. The song supported the Forces by achieving a half million pounds for the charity and this year they could gain twice as much.

This group will see their newest album release at years end entitled "Stronger Together." The music video shot for the tracks title has broken numerous records. It was shot at Wellington Barracks and included 600 choir members making history as the biggest music video ever filmed. It is conceivable that "Stronger Together" will earn them Christmas Number One for the second year straight?

Who do you think will be Christmas number 1? Please share your thoughts...

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