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A Christmas No.1 is the holy grail for novelty acts, reality TV competition winners, boy/girl bands and, of course, Sir Cliff Richard. In celebration of the tussle we take a look back at the best and worst Christmas No.1s. First up, seven of the best...

Slade - 'Merry Christmas Everybody'

Year: 1973

This has to be the definitive Christmas No.1, if only because it covers the subject matter so comprehensively. It contains words like "stockings", "reindeer" and "snow". Most importantly it's cheery, fun and optimistic, without the schmaltz, and even after hearing it for the millionth time in WHSmith on their "best Christmas tracks of all time ever" compilation, it won't make you want to ram mince pies viciously down Santa's throat and drown elves in hot toddy.

Pictures: Rex Features, PA Photos