The X-Factor has withdrawn its winner’s single from this year’s Christmas number one race.

The ITV talent show, who was responsible for four consecutive festive chart-toppers in the 00s, will release the first track by the winning contestant just hours after they have been crowned on December 9, meaning it will first enter the UK Top 40 the week before the Christmas chart is announced.

Last year’s winners, Little Mix, reached No.1 with 'Cannonball' on December 18 but were denied the Christmas number one spot by Military Wives’ 'Wherever You Are' a week later. However, Martin Talbot, managing director of The Official Charts Company, told BBC’s Newsbeat that he personally can't rule out The X-Factor's chances:

"Last year, it meant that Little Mix's debut single 'Cannonball' had its strongest week before the battle for festive number one was underway - letting in the Military Wives with 'Wherever You Are.'

"But with rumours that the X Factor finalists' single is also due to be a charity single, that could help it sustain through a second week and right into Christmas - if they get the song and the charitable cause right."