X Factor 2017 winners Rak-Su in MASSIVE chart surge – can Dimelo get to Number 1?

The four-piece boyband have been reigning the top of the iTunes listings since their victory on the ITV show on Sunday night, but in yesterday’s official chart update – which counts all downloads and streams since 0:01 on Friday – they were only No46.

However, after a full 24 hours of sales since their X Factor triumph, they have zoomed right the way to No6.

The Official Charts Company adds that they are now only 1,000 combined sales from the Top 5.

This week’s final rundown will be revealed on Friday – so they have until 23:59 on Thursday night to maintain their current momentum and continue rising.

The official charts use both sales and streams, with iTunes downloads only one element.

Last year’s winner Matt Terry made his chart debut at No3 with When Christmas Comes Around – can Rak-Su top that?

Unless their momentum goes into reverse, they should comfortably beat 2015’s Louisa Johnson, who managed only No9 with winner’s single Forever Young.

The group are benefitting not only from an official studio version with Naughty Dog and Wyclef Jean, but also a previous release from when they performed Dimelo last month. That version is also in the iTunes Top 5.

Last night’s chart update indicated that Ed Sheeran and Beyonce are the ones to beat: their Perfect Duet is currently leading the charge to Friday’s No1 spot.

Mariah Carey and Wham! are both making their annual returns back up the table: All I Want For Christmas Is You and Last Christmas are both tracking towards the Top 5 this week, unless Rak-Su overtake them.

This week’s chart will be confirmed in full on Friday.