X Factor winner Ben Haenow is in pole position to grab this year's Christmas No.1.

The singer released a cover of OneRepublic's 'Something I Need' after winning the TV final at the weekend.

The Official Charts Company have confirmed that as of the end of Monday (December 15), it had sold 75,000 downloads ahead of its physical release on Wednesday (December 17).

This places Haenow at around 23,000 units ahead of nearest competitor Mark Ronson in the race for the Christmas No.1.

His tune 'Uptown Funk' - which is currently the official No.1 - is expected to gain traction, however, as a result of streaming.

At No.3 on the chart is Ed Sheeran's 'Thinking Out Loud', with Olly Murs and Demi Lovato's 'Up' following at No.4.

Take That's 'These Days' completes the top five, with the Pogues' Christmas classic 'Fairytale of New York' at No.10.

Band Aid 30's 'Do They Know It’s Christmas?' is No.13.

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