U.K. MIDWEEKS: STONES ROLL BACK TO #1

The Rolling Stones could claim 2023’s Official Christmas #1 album in the U.K. Over on singles, Wham! are on track for the top.

Hackney Diamonds (Polydor) is set to return to the top of the Official Albums Chart on Friday, having debuted at #1 in October.

Michael Bublé currently poses the biggest competition, with Christmas (Reprise) at #2. Cher’s festival collection, Christmas (Warner Records), is set to lift ten to #5.

Jewels of Romance (UMG) by André Rieu & Johann Strauss Orchestra is up 13 to #6 midweek.

On the U.K.’s Official Singles midweeks, Wham!’s “Last Christmas” (Epic) is currently in the lead for the Christmas #1.

However, there are just 42 sales behind that and Amazon Music Original, “You’re Christmas to Me” (East West/Rhino) by Sam Ryder, which has risen eight places to #2.

Each track is being supported with some mighty promo weight, with the Wham! entry accompanied by a limited edition vinyl, first-time CD release of the song, and a download promotion. Ryder, meanwhile, had a promo tour bus on the road in Manchester and London this weekend and appearances in the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge and The One Show.

Other potential contenders include “All I Want For Christmas Is You” (Sony) by Mariah Carey at #3; Ed Sheeran and Elton John’s “Merry Christmas” (Atlantic) at #4; and “Fairytale of New York” (Warner Music U.K.) by The Pogues f/Kirsty MacColl at #5.