Bookmakers have slashed odds on Rage Against the Machine scoring the Christmas number one with 'Killing In The Name'.

A Facebook group was started last week urging music lovers to download the expletive-strewn 1992 protest anthem in reaction to Simon Cowell's X Factor inevitably dominating the festive charts.

Initially bookmakers William Hill saw little threat from the song listing its chances at 100/1, however, now this has been drastically reduced to 3/1.

Spokesperson Rupert Adams said: "The X Factor has had a monopoly over the Christmas number one but there is a real buzz about 'Rage Against The Machine' and we might just have the biggest upset in Christmas chart History!"

Despite the odds slash, The X Factor is still firm favourite with William Hill at 1/5 on.

The RATM Facebook group now has 600,000 members, meaning that if every person downloads the track 'Killing In The Name Of' is likely to hit number one.

Yesterday, Simon Cowell branded the campaign "stupid" and "cynical" and claimed it's aimed towards himself rather than the music on the show.

His comments have no doubt fuelled the fire further.

As some proceeds of the X Factor song are going to charity, those pledging their support to the RATM campaign can make a donation to Shelter - a charity helping the homeless - HERE.

(by Scott Colothan)