The race for the Christmas number one is already underway, and a heartwarming contender has emerged: Paddington Bear. A new song, “One Of Us,” penned by McFly’s Tom Fletcher for the stage musical *Paddington*, is currently the bookmakers’ favorite to top the charts this year.
The song debuted last week accompanied by a charming music video filmed at Paddington Station, featuring the beloved bear himself. Industry expert Martin Talbot, CEO of the Official Charts Company, believes Paddington’s entry adds a special spark to the competition, promising a delightful showdown with established festive favorites.
Currently previewing in London’s West End at the Savoy Theatre, *Paddington The Musical* brings Michael Bond’s creation to life with a unique blend of on-stage performance and remote puppetry. The show has already captured the attention of royalty, with Prince William and Princess Kate expressing their enjoyment after a recent performance.
Prince William even remarked on Paddington’s ever-present marmalade sandwich, a nod to the bear’s iconic association with the late Queen Elizabeth II, who famously revealed she kept one in her handbag. This connection adds a layer of poignant nostalgia to Paddington’s current surge in popularity.
Tom Fletcher, juggling a tour with McFly and Busted, poured his heart into the musical’s score. He shared that even his bandmates were moved to tears during early workshops, recognizing the special quality of this project. The full album is slated for release in March 2026.
However, Paddington isn’t guaranteed a clear path to the top. Formidable competition looms from established artists like Kylie Minogue, Ed Sheeran, and Sabrina Carpenter. Even Denise Welch has entered the fray with a festive track, adding to the excitement.
The Christmas number one landscape has shifted in recent years, moving away from the dominance of LadBaby’s charity singles and the X Factor-fueled competition. This opens the door for a new generation of contenders, and Paddington Bear is poised to seize the moment.
Paddington’s journey to the charts echoes the success of other children’s characters who have previously topped the festive charts, including Mr. Blobby in 1993 and Bob The Builder in 2000. The bear’s enduring appeal, spanning from his 1958 literary debut to recent blockbuster films, suggests a strong chance of success.
From the pages of a beloved book to the stage and now potentially the top of the music charts, Paddington Bear’s story continues to enchant audiences of all ages, making him a truly deserving contender for this year’s Christmas number one.
