Kirsty Mccoll

The myriad polls of Christmas pop music tend to throw up the same results year in year out, with the “nation’s favourite” usually turning out to be as predictable as the contents of supermarket crackers.

But, according to music licensing body PPL, The Pogues ‘A Fairytale of New York’ is the most played Christmas song of the century. Its popularity is beyond contestation, being present in the Christmas UK Top 20 singles in seven different years since its release, including 2014.

'A Fairytale Of New York', written by Shane McGowan (above), is the most played Christmas pop song ever.

Continue reading: 'A Fairytale Of New York' Is The Most Played Christmas Pop Song Ever

Mariah Carey ruddy loves reminding us that she sang one of the best known Christmas pop songs of all time. Just in case her original version of 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' wasn’t played enough around this time of year as it was, she also decided to pop up wearing a really quite short Santa’s outfit alongside then 17 year-old Justin Bieber in re-do of the song last year.

So we were pretty firmly on Carey watch this year, just waiting to see when she’d pop up to offer yet another ‘fresh’ update on her ubiquitous track. And it happened with Jimmy Fallon and The Roots in tow. In fairness, the chat show host sort of asked for it; he was going to perform a version of the song anyway with rappers The Roots in tow on toy instruments. Trust Carey to want to get in on the act though; sure enough, after the slow intro, there she was in a red dress, admittedly still hitting the notes and taking center stage as the rest of them played amiably behind her. Reports that she’d rushed off soon after the show because her senses had picked up a family in the Tulsa region about to get going on their own karaoke version of the song in their living room remain unsubstantiated.

Check out Carey join Fallon and The Roots below; then scroll down to see our own festive top 5.

Continue reading: Mariah Carey Sings 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' On Jimmy Fallon; Plus, Our Top 5 Christmas Songs

Kate Bosworth has become the new face of Topshop with a glamorous video showing the star singing 'Winter Wonderland'.

The 'Superman Returns' actress was chosen by the Philip Green brand to don a glitzy, dark red gown and re-create the inspirational piano scene from 1989's 'The Fabulous Baker Boys' which starred Michelle Pfeiffer. "This project brings together two important aspects of my life: cinema and fashion", says the actress who was also a Calvin Klein Jeans model in 2008. "I have always been a fan of the Topshop brand and it has been an honour to work with Sir Phillip and the team. I hope everyone enjoys watching it as much as we did making it." The clip was directed by Michael Polish of 'Twin Falls Idaho' and 'The Astronaut Farmer' fame.

The song looks to be in with a chance for the 2012 Christmas number one now being available on iTunes, but first it has to hit the UK Official Singles Chart. It will face competition from Olly Murs whose single 'Troublemaker' featuring Flo Rida is top for the second week in a row and from The Pogues with their much-loved 1987 Christmas hit 'Fairytale of New York' featuring Kirsty Maccoll.

Continue reading: Video: Kate Bosworth Sings On New Topshop Christmas Campaign