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MacGowan, 65, died on Thursday after an eight-year battle with a brain condition; chart data suggests The Pogues' Christmas hit is well on its way to reaching number one in tribute.
The Irish band's duet with Kirsty MacColl is at number 18 in this week's Official UK Top 40, compiled by Official Charts, up 35 places from number 53. Earlier in the week it was at number 23.
Fairytale of New York was already the favourite to hit number one as fans rallied around the Pogues frontman during his fight with viral encephalitis, a life-threatening condition affecting the brain.
There have been over 70 Christmas number ones, but which song is the best?
According to William Hill, The Pogues have 4/6 odds of hitting number one on Christmas Day with Fairytale Of New York.