Billed as the “classiest contender” for the festive top spot, the jazz singer in the famous hat has already released The Christmas Song via Blue Note and Decca Records.

“It’s not Christmas till you smell the chestnuts roasting on the open fire!” he said in a statement. 

“The Christmas Song is a true classic, and for me, Nat King Cole’s version is the definitive. 

“I have fond memories listening to it as a child and to record it in tribute to Nat, is no doubt the best gift I will receive this year.”

Gregory Porter is already the best-selling jazz artist of the year to date, after new album Nat King Cole & Me charted inside the Top 3 in the UK - his highest ever position.

"I'm very grateful for the success of Nat King Cole And Me,” he said. “This is a deeply personal project and a humble tribute to Nat’s incredible music. 

“I can trace his influence back to when I was five or six years old, when Nat’s music filled a void in me when my father wasn’t in my life and wasn’t showing interest in me. 

“Nat’s words were the life lessons, words of wisdom and fatherly advice I needed.”

Currently Wham! are the favourites to hit the summit, with Last Christmas set to soar up the rankings in tribute to George Michael. It has 2/1 odds with Ladbrokes.

This year’s X Factor winner is second favourite on 4/1, with Ed Sheeran and Mariah Carey each on 5/1.

Other contenders include Elbow (16/1), Stormzy (10/1), Taylor Swift (20/1) and Rita Ora (16/1). Michelle McManus has also released a charity single.

The Christmas Number One will be announced on December 22, after having tracked sales and streams for the week December 15-December 21.