November 22, 2007 14:23

BBC Radio 1 DJs back Malcolm Middleton's Xmas Number One bid

The ex-Arab Strap man's effort gains momentum

BBC Radio 1 heavyweights Colin Murray, Scott Mills and Edith Bowman are all backing former Arab Strap star Malcolm Middleton’s bid for the UK's Christmas Number One single.

And now bookmakers William Hill has decided to slash their original odds on the single 'We're All Going To Die' from 1,000/1 to 500/1.

Murray said of the track: “Were the intelligentsia … we don't need to be crass about getting Malcolm Middleton to Number One. Do you remember when Belle & Sebastian won a Brit Award? That’s the route I want to take.

"Go ahead and sign up to Malcolm’s MySpace, lets start getting an idea of how many people are going to buy this beautiful record.”

Mills said on air before playing the song: “Colin has decided what he wants to be Xmas Number One this year and I am in total agreement with him. It’s a little bit different, saves 'The X Factor' from being Number One again this year.”

Middleton is to hit the road in December to promote his festive offering.

The tour calls at:

Glasgow ABC (December 5)
Edinburgh Liquid Room (6)
Minehead All Tomorrow’s Parties (8)
London Scala (9)
Manchester Academy III (10)

To check ticket availability and get all the latest listings, go to NME.COM/GIGS now, or call 0871 230 1094.