Girls Aloud are the latest to throw their hats into the ring in a bid to be Christmas number one.

The five girls, who are best known for Love Machine, have announced via their official website that they are releasing a new album and a new single, with the latter hitting the shelves at Christmas.

"We're going to have a very cool surprise Christmas single out in December," Cheryl said.

She also tantalised their fans with news of the upcoming album: "Our new album's going to be released in early December – and there will be a special surprise on it. Can't say anymore about it just now, but it's gonna be good…"

The girls enter a very competitive looking market for the Christmas number one with the likes of Robbie Williams and Franz Ferdinand tipped to release, and the Crazy Frog already a confirmed contender.

Girls Aloud's next single, Biology, is released on November 14th.