Exclusive: Sir Cliff Richard: 'The X Factor has killed the Christmas number one'

Sir Cliff Richard has revealed that he thinks he could have another Christmas number one with the right song.

The singer told Digital Spy that it is harder to claim the festive chart top spot as The X Factor has "killed" everybody's chance of achieving it.

Asked whether he thought he could top the Christmas chart once again, Richard replied: "With the right song, yeah I think so. The X Factor kind of killed everybody else's chance of being number one at Christmas as their show runs for 26 weeks and culminated one week before.

"So everybody is waiting for that song, from that winner. It's almost impossible to compete as they always were at number one."

He added: "Even if that's the case now, you need the right song. The thing about having a number one is it being the right song in the right moment with the right artist.

"I haven't had a lot of number ones at Christmas, but I've had a couple of biggies! 'Mistletoe and Wine', 'The Millennium Prayer' and 'Saviour's Day' - when I listen to them I think, 'I was so lucky to get given those things to sing'."

Sir Cliff Richard's new tour DVD Soulicious is available to buy now.

> Sir Cliff Richard interview: 'I'd love a Rihanna duet'

Watch Sir Cliff Richard talk to Digital Spy about the Christmas number one below: