The Justice Collective secure Christmas number one slot, outselling X Factor winner James Arthur by 45,000 copies
By EMMA GRITT
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The Justice Collective's rework of The Hollies' He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother is the 2012 Christmas number one.
The charity single sold more than 269,000 copies, which comfortably put it ahead of X Factor winner James Arthur's debut track, Impossible.
The cover of the Hollies' 1969 hit was recorded by a plethora of big names, including Robbie Williams, Paul McCartney, Andy Brown from pop band Lawson, and comedian John Bishop.
WATCH: The video for The Justice Collective's He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother
The Justice Collective: The Hillsborough charity single has seen off James Arthur to claim Christmas number one 2012
The latest version of the Hollies 1969 hitting the top spot will cap a memorable week for campaigners, friends and family of the ninety-six victims of the football disaster.
Football fans were crushed to death at Sheffield Wednesday's ground during an FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest on April 15, 1989.
The single reaching the top spot caps a great week for the cause's campaigners.
I've got my copy: John Bishop bought the single at HMV in Liverpool when it was released a week ago
Featured artist: Former Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish poses with the single by The Justice Collective
Home Secretary Theresa May announced this week that there will be a new police investigation into the deaths and the High Court quashed accidental death verdicts recorded by the original inquest, meaning a new one will now be held.
Their biggest competition came in the shape of current X Factor champion, James Arthur.
His cover of Shontelle's Impossible went straight to the top of the chart when it was released two weeks ago, but the scruffy singer was no match for the combined star quality of The Justice Collective.
The who's who of the charity group is very impressive, and includes Paul McCartney, Robbie Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, Paloma Faith, Melanie Chisolm, Gerry Marsden, Peter Hooton, John Power, Beverly Knight, Hollie Cook, Eliza Doolittle, John Bishop, Peter Reid, Kenny Dalglish, Alan Hansen, Shane MacGowan (The Pogues), and two original members of The Hollies, Bobby Elliot and Tony Hicks.
Second best: James Arthur's single Impossible was knocked in to second place
Knocked off: James Arthur's debut was knocked down from the top spot to number two
Fact fans may be interested to know that the Justice Collective reaching the top spot means Sir Paul McCartney has now appeared on seven Christmas number ones (four with The Beatles between 1963 and 1967, one with Wings in 1977, and two as part of Band Aid in 1984 and Band Aid 20 in 2004).
Melanie C has appeared on three (between 1996 and 1998 with the Spice Girls), Robbie Williams on two (Somethin’ Stupid in 2001 and Band Aid 20), and Holly Johnson and Beverly Knight with one apiece with Band Aid and Band Aid 20, respectively.
However, it is worth noting that James Arthur's single also benefits good causes.
Flying off the shelves: The charity single has sold over 260,000 copies since it was released a week ago
100% of profits from the X Factor winner's hit will go to Together for Short Lives, a charity which supports those who help, love and care for children and young people who are unlikely to reach adulthood.
It is one of big-hearted Simon Cowell's charities of choice, and he has been involved with them for several years.
Official Charts Company's Managing Director, Martin Talbot, said, 'Congratulations to The Justice Collective on becoming the 2012 Official Christmas Number 1 with He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother.
'They fought a sterling campaign against one of the biggest singles of the year in James Arthur's Impossible and are worthy winners - in aid of a very worthy cause.'
THE CHRISTMAS 2012 TOP TEN
- He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother - Justice Collective
- Impossible - James Arthur
- Scream and Shout - Will.i.am ft Britney Spears
- Stay - Rihanna ft Mikky Ekko
- Locked Out Of Heaven - Bruno Mars
- Gangnam Style - Psy
- Troublemaker - Olly Murs ft Flo Rida
- I Knew You Were Trouble - Taylor Swift
- The Power Of Love - Gabrielle Aplin
- Diamonds - Rihanna
WATCH: The video for The Justice Collective's He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2252563/The-Justice-Collective-secure-Christmas-number-slot-outselling-X-Factor-winner-James-Arthur-45-000-copies.html#ixzz2Fxr7RwG0
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