The decision to push back the release of the X Factor track may have something to do with rumours Band Aid's 'Do They Know It's Christmas' is likely to be re-released in time for the festive season.
The charity record would be designed to, once again, raise money to tackle the latest African famine crisis. Word is the new release would feature a remix of the original with a re-release of that 1989 Stock Aitken and Waterman produced version of the track on the b-side. There is also talk of recording a new version featuring contemporary artists (which would certainly increase its appeal for younger record buyers).
Bob Geldof has given the re-release his backing, telling reporters: "I'm 100 per cent behind it. The money will be critical as there are more severe famine conditions now and it will get worse in the next couple of months. It is too early to say who will remix the record. I might leave that to Midge [Ure - Geldof's collaborator on the Band Aid project] to sort out."
Universal label chief executive Lucian Grange told reporters: "We are going to remix the original. We want to bring it up to date, give it new character. But it is a stunning record and will be difficult to better. I'd also love to see a new raft of stars re-recording the original. "