The race for the Christmas No.1 in the UK is about to get even more exciting this week, following the new limited edition physical release of The Pogues' classic hit 'Fairytale of New York' today.

The 7" vinyl edition of the single has been released in aid of Dublin Simon Community, which works to end and prevent homelessness.

According to officialcharts.com, you can "expect to see the impact of that special physical release tomorrow, when The Pogues ft. Kirsty MacColl will surely rise..."

The track currently stands at No.5 on the Official Singles Chart in the UK.

The new physical release comes less than a month after the death of The Pogues' Shane MacGowan – who would have turned 66 on Christmas Day.

"We would like to say a huge thank you to The Pogues and Shane McGowan's family for their generosity in creating such a special legacy for Dublin Simon Community with this release," commented Emma Kilkenny, Head of Fundraising & Communications at Dublin Simon Community. "Music is an emotional and visceral gift that can lift spirits and bring hope to people at their lowest point.

"We share the truly magical memory of Shane’s performance at the very special Christmas Busk recorded in St Patrick’s Cathedral during Covid lockdown. The Christmas Eve Busk is a beating heart at the core of Dublin Simon’s fundraising and Shane was always a very welcome and truly amazing addition to this special event.”

Despite its enduring popularity, 'Fairytale of New York' has never reached No.1 in the UK. It peaked at No.2 following its original release in 1987 – losing out to Pet Shop Boys' cover of 'Always On My Mind'.

Since then, 'Fairytale of New York' has occupied every single position in the UK Top 20 – except for No.1.

WHAM! are the ones to beat for this year's Christmas No.1, with 'Last Christmas' currently standing at No.1. They're currently followed on the chart by Noah Kahan's 'Stick Season' (No.2), Mariah Carey's 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' (No.3), and Jack Harlow's 'Loving On Me' (No. 4).

On the Official Irish Singles Chart, meanwhile, 'Fairytale Of New York' is at No. 2, having occupied the top spot last week.