Music
28 Oct 10

The race for the Christmas No. 1 album

Take That are odds-on favourite to get the top spot

According to music retailer HMV and bookmakers William Hill, Take That's new album Progress is 2/5 on to be No. 1 on Christmas Day. They represent the shortest odds ever issued by Hill for a prediction on the Christmas No. 1 on the Official UK Album Chart.

Rupert Adams of William Hill commented, "We think it's a one horse race - Take That with Robbie back on board are going to be almost impossible to beat."

The reunited five-piece release Progress on November 15. Their closest challenge looks set to come from Outta This World by JLS at 5/1. Kings of Leon's Come Around Sundown is likely to push for a top 3 place at 9/1 with the band's fifth studio album already setting the pace as the fastest-selling record of 2010.

These predictions may be a sign that the X Factor is on the wane. "Usually it's the winner of the X Factor landing the Xmas No. 1 single that's the easy prediction to make," said HMV's Gennaro Castaldo. "After last year's upset with Rage Against the Machine, people are not so sure now - though you'd still have to make them favourites. More certain, I'd say, is the likelihood of Take That massively outselling everyone else on the albums front."

The X Factor is still showing its influence on the album front however - Black Eyed Peas, Olly Murs, Cheryl Cole, Michael Buble and Rihanna are likely to do well this Christmas following recent appearances on the reality show.

HMV top 10 album prediction for Christmas Day ft. William Hill latest betting *

(* Chart to be announced by the Official UK Charts Company on Sunday 19th December 2010)

1. Take That / Progress (15/11) 2/5

2. JLS / Outta This World (22/11) 5/1

3. Kings of Leon / Come Around Sundown (out now) 9/1

4. Susan Boyle / The Gift (8/11) 10/1

5. Duffy / Endlessly (29/11) 16/1

6. Black Eyed Peas / The Beginning (29/11) 16/1

7. Olly Murs / Feel Free (29/11) 16/1

8. Cheryl Cole / Messy Little Raindrops (1/11) 20/1

9. Michael Bublé / Crazy Love: Hollywood Edition (out now) 25/1

10.Rihanna / Loud (15/11) 25/1