IT doesn't take a genius to work out that everyone's eyes are on the Christmas number one this weekend, nor that the Pop Rivals might well hog the limelight this season.

But there are a few surprises in store; for one thing, although One True Voice were the favourite for a Christmas number one before they released their double A side, it looks like the public may be using their sense of taste and opting instead for Girls Aloud, whose single is a little more interesting than the Bee Gees cover.

Ladbrokes have Girls Aloud leading at the moment, with One True Voice second followed by Blue and Elton John. There are some outsiders, including Gareth Gates' heart rending release and the canny cover of puppy Love by S Club Juniors, but I will stick my neck out and say that I reckon Blue and Sir Elton will hold on to their chart position with Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word.

If you haven't started celebrating Christmas yet then what's wrong with you? Follow up that work's Christmas do with a night out at Ikon this evening (December 20) where we will be getting the festive shenanigans going, on air from 11 pm until 1am, with a guaranteed party atmosphere. Don't forget your mistletoe!

And thanks very much to everyone involved in the Twelve Nights Of Christmas tour that finished earlier this week in Middleton. I'm tired out but we had a wicked time and were made very welcome by everyone, so thanks again.

All there is left to do now is take a few days off and start eating a disgusting amount of chocolate and mince pies as is compulsory at this time of year. Don't forget that on New Year's Day on Key 103 you can catch my show running through the best 202 records of 2002.

Have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year - and I'll catch you in 2003!