Bookmakers Ladbrokes have lengthened the odds on Rage Against The Machine scoring the Christmas number one.

Just yesterday they listed 'Killing In The Name' at 8/11 but this has now been extended to 3/1.

Conversely, X Factor winner Joe McElderry's 'The Climb' has been made the hot favourite for the Yuletide top spot at 1/5 on.

Ladbrokes spokesman, Nick Weinberg, said: “Joe has recovered from his black Wednesday. Earlier this week there was a very real chance that he could miss out. But that’s diminishing with every day that passes.”

Fingers crossed Weinberg will be eating his words come Sunday.

(by Scott Colothan)