‘Fairytale of New York’ reaches number one in charts following Shane MacGowan’s death

It looks on track to reach Christmas number one

Last week, the legendary Pogues frontman passed away at the age of 65 after being discharged from hospital following a lengthy stay.

His wife Victoria Mary Clarke announced the sad news on social media, writing: "I don’t know how to say this so I am just going to say it.

"Shane who will always be the light that I hold before me and the measure of my dreams and the love of my life and the most beautiful soul and beautiful angel and the sun and the moon and the start and end of everything that I hold dear has gone to be with Jesus and Mary and his beautiful mother Therese."

The Pogues' most famous song is probably their Christmas classic Fairytale of New York and as December gets underway, the song has managed to reach number one in the iTunes chart in the UK.

Despite being one of the nation's most-loved festive tunes, it has never reached Christmas number one in the Official Chart.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4, Mary Clarke said it "would be nice" if the song could finally reach the coveted top spot this year in honour of her late husband, whose birthday was on Christmas Day.

She added: "It should be the Christmas No 1, it absolutely should. I am very much in favour of that.”

Fans have also called for Fairytale of New York to finally be crowned Christmas number one following MacGowan's death.

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