Wham's 1984 hit 'Last Christmas' is the most played Christmas song of the last of the last five years, statistics show.

The song came narrowly ahead of Band Aid's 'Do They Know It's Christmas', while 'Fairytale of New York' by the Pogues is the third most popular choice.

The rest of the top-five was completed by Mariah Carey's 'All I Want For Christmas' and Bruce Springsteen's 'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town'.

The chart was compiled by the Performing Rights Society, which collects royalties for musicians.

The society collects royalties when at artist's song is played on TV, radio, online and in public places.

Other artists whose Christmas songs prove popular with the public include Wizzard, Slade and Bing Crosby.

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