MONDAY 14/11/2005 18:22:49
U.TV
The winner of The X Factor will have their single rush-released in a bid for the Christmas number one, it was announced today.
The final of the ITV reality show takes place on Saturday December 17 and it was thought the winner would not get their single into the shops in time.
But the record is to be released on Wednesday December 21 - only four shopping days before the Christmas chart is announced.
Rivals such as Westlife, Crazy Frog and G4 will have enjoyed a head start in the race to number one.
But X Factor bosses are confident their record will land the festive top spot.
A spokesman said: "Uniquely, The X Factor single will be released on the Wednesday of Christmas week and not the traditional Monday, when all other contenders will release their records.
"As soon is the winner is announced, CD presses across the country will immediately go to work and operate through the night in order to get the single into stores on Wednesday - giving the single four shopping days to beat the competition."
Industry experts think it has a good chance.
HMV singles buyer Stewart Allen said: "Interest in The X Factor is absolutely huge and HMV customers around the country have been asking for weeks now if and when the single is coming out.
"Ordinarily it would be a real handicap to the chances of any single making it straight to number one without the benefit of a full week of sales, particularly in Christmas week.
"But one of the few acts that would have a chance of pulling it off right now is the winner of The X Factor.
"With only four days` worth of sales it`s going to be a really close race, but I can see The X Factor overtaking the likes of Westlife and Crazy Frog in a final day of frenzied sales."
Bookies have already installed The X Factor winner as favourite to top the chart.
William Hill said it had been the subject of a "massive gamble".
Spokesman Rupert Adams said: "We have just got to hope The X Factor winner doesn`t make it because if it does there won`t be much Christmas cheer in our office."
