Easington's short odds to be part of Xmas No.1

It could be a neck and neck fight between Sam Fender and Easington Colliery with George Michael and Wham for the coveted Xmas Number 1 spot in the pop charts.

An ensemble from the band can be heard on the John Lewis advert

Thursday, 12 November 2026

Easington Colliery's Bands hopes of the festive number 1 hit this year as part of Sam Fender's cover version of the classic Rolling Stone hit 'You Can't Always Get What You Want' is attracting good odds at the bookies.

Bookies

However, according to William Hill it is now being challenged for the prestigious top-spot by another classic from yesteryear in the form of Wham!'s 'Last Christmas' with the likes of Olivier Rodrigo, Elton John & CMAT and BAR hot on their heels.

Fender's cover version heard in this year's John Lewis Christmas advert is now 4/1, just behind 'Last Christmas', which was No.1 at Christmas in 2023 and 2024. It is now Evens favourite, whilst Olivia Rodrigo is 9/2 in the betting.

Favourites

A spokesperson for William Hill said: "Wham! are our new favourites to top the charts on Christmas Day, having overtaken Sam Fender overnight.

With the mixed reviews about this year's John Lewis advert, we aren't surprised to see Sam Fender's Rolling Stones cover on the drift, but with well over a month until the big day, the race for Christmas Number One is far from over."

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