Well, November is almost upon us, so time to start putting a wager on who'll be this year's Christmas number one methinks. The safe, though not entirely rewarding, bet is "whoever wins X-Factor", which bookies reckon is a surefire winner, despite the fact the show's producers are yet to confirm whether they plan to release a single for the Christmas market at all. Other contenders are Take That, who release their reunion record 'Patience' ahead of the festive period, and a cover of Robbie Williams' 'Angels' by classical pop girl group All Angels, which, I believe, is being released in aid of the British Legion's Poppy Appeal.
But don't take anything for granted. Oh no. Just listen to what HMV chart expert Gennaro Castaldo (who's been sadly lacking from your CMU Daily of late) has to say: "You can never rule out Sir Cliff when it comes to Christmas. And by teaming up with the likes of Brian May and Daniel O'Donnell, and their considerable fan bases, he's giving himself every chance of landing his 15th UK number one - putting him just two behind The Beatles".
For those that understand such things, here's the current odds from William Hill:
X Factor winner - 1-3
All Angels - 7-1
Take That - 10-1
Cliff Richard and Brian May - 16-1
Cliff Richard and Daniel O'Donnell - 16-1
Reality TV stars, classical-pop covers or Cliff Richard - brilliant. Isn't Bob The Builder releasing anything this year?