Tom Grennan enters the Christmas No1 race as a furry outsider gallops ahead

THE race for the Christmas No1 used to be an epic battle before LadBaby and his sausage rolls ruined everybody’s fun.

But after four consecutive years at the top, I’m hearing the novelty act’s stranglehold is in real danger.

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And I can reveal Tom Grennan could be the man to dethrone him. He’s entered the fray with single You Are Not Alone — and it’s a belter.

The singer will join a host of top names looking to knock LadBaby off his perch, including YouTube group Sidemen — whose members include KSI — boxer Tyson Fury, who has released a rendition of Sweet Caroline, Lewis Capaldi with Pointless, Stormzy with Firebabe and Sam Smith’s Night Before Christmas.

Plus, mega novelty acts including Mr Blobby and Patrick The Pony are also in the mix.

A music insider said: “When LadBaby declared he was in the running once again, the odds went immediately in his favour.

“But new competition is coming from all angles, namely Tom who has a huge following.

“With all these new rivals, LadBaby finally has a fight on his hands.”

LadBaby, aka Mark Hoyle, claimed his fourth Christmas No1 last year by featuring Elton John and Ed Sheeran, who collaborated after accepting defeat with their own festive effort.

He has now got money-saving expert Martin Lewis on board for a remake of Band Aid classic Do They Know It’s Christmas?

The track is called Food Aid and half of the proceeds will go towards the Trussell Trust, a charity that supports food banks. The other half will head to the Band Aid Trust.

As far as Tom’s track goes, it is a poignant one for him. He explained: “This isn’t just another single to me, it’s far more than that. This is the most personal song I have written.

“I want these lyrics to help other people as much as writing them has helped me.
“I’ve been open and raw in songs before, but when this song started pouring out of me, it was different.

“Whilst Christmas can be a happy time for many, it can also be a time when people feel a deep sense of loneliness, and I hope this song talks to that feeling and gives you that warm hug you might need right now.

“Now, more than ever, we need to look after each other.”

Let’s just hope it gets to No1, which will make a nice change.

Lily looks mint

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 LILY COLLINS is taking a leaf out of her Emily In Paris character’s wardrobe for a day in New York.

The actress wore this eye-catching turquoise suit with a black top and white handbag as she ran errands in the Big Apple.

I’m not surprised Lily looks like she’s got a spring in her step, either.

The third series of the stylish Netflix romantic comedy is back from next Wednesday.

Revealing what fans can expect, Lily told Marie Claire Australia: “She’s comfortable about making decisions and using her voice, which leads to her having far more grounded experiences within Paris.

“That was fun to explore, and it gave space for the other characters to really come to the forefront of the story as well.

“But of course, along the way, there’s more laughs, more drama and more fashion. Everything felt a little more elevated this season.”

RONAN REGRETS

RONAN KEATING would try to have more fun if he could have his time with Boyzone all over again.

The new coach on this year’s edition of The Voice Kids told me: “I wish I had not taken myself too seriously. All I wanted was to be successful, so I worked very hard.

“But I didn’t enjoy the first six years in the band as I was working so hard. All of the hits we had, the world tours . . . we spent so much time trying to be serious and make it.”

The regrets even spill over into his solo career, too.

He added: “Then I went solo and I wanted to be the best thing I could be as a solo artist. I took myself too seriously. If I can pass on anything as a coach to the kids, it is to enjoy this.”

This summer Ronan’s son Jack appeared briefly on Love Island. Joking about the short-lived stint, the singer said: “He was on for a minute, but he was great and I was very proud of him.”

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Ronan, pictured with wife Storm, added: “It is the world we Iive in now, anyone can be a reality star. The choices our kids are making and the freedom we have, it is wonderful but can be dangerous.

“Trying to protect them and getting them to understand the pitfalls in the world is really important – but it’s all good.”

DENISE TAKES THE PLUNGE

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DENISE VAN OUTEN showed she has a tux of class in this white trouser suit.

The former Big Breakfast presenter wore the plunging blazer with tailored trousers and a lace bodysuit to a performance of Jack And The Beanstalk at the London Palladium.

She was joined by boyfriend Jimmy Barba at the event, along with daughter Betsy from her marriage to actor and singer Lee Mead.

After a rough year, in which she split with ex Eddie Boxshall, it is great to finally see Denise back to her best.

Naomi: Whitney in room

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RISING star Naomi Ackie felt the presence of late music great Whitney Houston while playing her in upcoming biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody.

The British actress revealed the feeling was especially strong in scenes that featured the superstar’s singing.

She added: “That is why some of the performances were my favourite to film – because she was literally in the room. Hopefully that shows in the film.”

Admitting she feared she would let down Whitney’s family after landing the role, Naomi said: “The toughest part was trying to portray the best parts of her and not let anyone down. Her legacy is undeniable.

“When you strip away all the stardom and fame and acclaim, she was a human being and she deserves compassion and love.”

IT was big news all round for DJ Scott Mills on his Radio 2 show yesterday.

Alongside revealing he would marry Sam Vaughan on June 1, 2024, the presenter had a dream come true when Sam Ryder agreed to perform for them.

Asking him live on air to do the honours, Sam agreed and said: “I’d love to sing my head off with you on your special day.”

Scott added: “I have to apologise to my friends and family.

 “I’ve not told them the date of our wedding yet but I just signed the venue contract this morning.

“I promise a ‘save the date’ card will be in the post to you soon.”

MEGAN’S MARVEL

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MEGAN MCKENNA has a big year ahead of her, having carved out a successful career in country music.

The ex-reality TV star is currently on tour with Blue and over the past year has pulled in an impressive 6.4million streams on Spotify alone.

 I can reveal 2023 is about to be even bigger as she records her second album, the follow-up to 2018’s Story Of Me.

Megan told me in an exclusive chat: “To now be on tour with Blue is just mental.

Next year I am going to be doing an album and I will be doing my own shows.“I am in talks with a few festivals too. It’s all happening. My goal is to be the UK’s No1 country singer.”