The Pogues' Fairy Tale of New York is favourite to be this year's Christmas Number One following the death of frontman Shane MacGowan.
The song, which also features late Irish singer Kirsty MacColl, reached number two in the UK charts following its release in 1988 and has since gone on to become a festive favourite.
Prior to his passing, the track was already being touted as a contender for the coveted chart position, as MacGowan's wife Victoria Mary Clarke kept fans updated on his failing health.
Following his death, that was announced on Thursday, the Irish punk band is now 1/8 with William Hill to top the Xmas charts, with the second favourite being Wham!'s Last Christmas at 8/1, followed by The Beatles' Now and Then at 9/1 and Queen of Christmas Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas at 11/1.
Bookmakers Oddschecker say that they have also reduced the odds from 6/4 to 1/4 since the announcement of MacGowan’s death. Fans and celebrities, including Piers Morgan, have been calling for people to get behind Fairytale of New York and help give it that extra push as a tribute to MacGowan.
RIP Shane MacGowan, 65. Irish punk legend, genius Pogues singer/songwriter, and hell-raiser extraordinaire. His favourite joke was: ‘I was given six weeks to live, about 25 years ago!’
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) November 30, 2023
Let’s make Fairytale of New York the Christmas No1 as a tribute. (He was born on Xmas Day) pic.twitter.com/BUgaeXKe67
"Let’s make Fairytale of New York the Christmas No1 as a tribute. (He was born on Xmas Day)," penned Morgan on social platform X, formerly known as Twitter.The singer suffered from several health issues in recent years, including being diagnosed with viral encephalitis – a life-threatening condition which leads to brain swelling.A statement from MacGowan's spokesperson confirmed he "died peacefully at 3.30am this morning (30 November) with his wife and sister by his side".
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