TRANENT singer Caitlyn Vanbeck is launching a bid to beat X Factor to the Christmas No1 spot after teaming up with fellow contestant Nate Simpson.

Caitlyn and Nate, who both made it to judges' houses on this year's show, have been working with record producer Pete Hammond to come up with their new single Retro Soul (So Hot) which will be released next Friday, December 9.

They revealed the one-off double act will release the song under the name The Underdogs as they launch a friendly challenge to the show, which traditionally sees its winner reach the number one chart spot on Christmas Day.

Caitlyn, 19, said: "Coming off the X Factor was quite a blow but having the opportunity to work with the legendary Pete Hammond and of course Nate has just been incredible.

"The song is a feel good song which we had alot of fun recording and I just hope the public like it as much as us."

The single is being released through independent record company Nova Universal Distribution.

They are hoping the public rally behind Caitlyn and Nate in the run up to Christmas.

A spokesman for the company said: "It might well ruffle a few feathers but the British public always support the underdog. After all it is supposed to be a singing contest."

Last year's X Factor winner Louisa Johnson failed to reach the top spot, entering the charts at no9 making her record the worst performing single in the show's history.

Prior to that, winner Joe McElderry was the last not to hit the number one spot at Christmas in 2009, after a campaign to make Rage Against the Machine's Killing in the Name the top-selling song was launched. He claimed the top spot the following week.