UPDATE: A song by Tom Fletcher, the vocalist from the band McFly, is tipped to claim the coveted UK Christmas number one spot this year with his new rendition of “One Of Us” from Paddington The Musical. Released just yesterday, December 1, 2023, the track is already among bookmakers’ top picks to dominate the festive charts.
The excitement surrounding this release has reached fever pitch, with Martin Talbot, chief executive of The Official Charts Company, stating, “A Christmas number one race isn’t complete without the arrival on the starting blocks of a bona fide legend.” The competition this year features not only Fletcher’s hit but also seasonal classics from The Pogues, Mariah Carey, and Wham!, making it a thrilling holiday season for music lovers.
The official music video showcases the iconic character, Paddington Bear, at Paddington Station alongside Fletcher, engaging audiences with its heartfelt visuals. In the West End production, this song is performed by Amy Ellen Richardson as Mrs. Brown, with the show currently in previews at the Savoy Theatre.
In addition to Fletcher, other strong contenders for the Christmas number one crown include Kylie Minogue, Ed Sheeran, and Sabrina Carpenter. Historically, children’s characters have made their mark on the festive charts, with previous hits from Mr. Blobby in 1993 and Bob The Builder in 2000.
Looking ahead, a complete album featuring music from Paddington The Musical, also composed by Fletcher, is set for release by Decca in March 2026, with a vinyl edition following in May.
Adding to the buzz, the Prince and Princess of Wales met Paddington Bear backstage at the Royal Variety Performance on November 29, 2023. Prince William praised Fletcher’s performance as “fantastic,” while commenting on the iconic marmalade sandwich held by Paddington, stating, “Your sandwich looks very nice.”
Paddington Bear has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the Royal Family, having appeared in a memorable sketch with the late Queen Elizabeth II during her platinum jubilee celebrations in 2022.
However, the beloved bear is currently embroiled in a legal dispute involving the creators of Spitting Image and rights holders StudioCanal. They demand that a “frightening” puppet resembling Paddington be either destroyed or returned to them.
First introduced in print in 1958, Paddington has seen various adaptations over the decades, including a successful BBC television series in 1976 and several popular films released in 2014, 2017, and 2024.
With the festive season upon us, and Fletcher’s song generating significant buzz, fans are eagerly anticipating the outcome of this year’s Christmas number one race. Stay tuned for more updates as the chart battle heats up!
