This year's X Factor winner's single won't have a physical CD release for the first time

This year's X Factor winner's single won't be getting a physical CD release for the first time. 

All of the show's previous winners have seen their spin-off track get a physical CD single release, usually available in large chain stores and supermarkets, as well as getting a digital download release and more recently availability on streaming services like Spotify.

This year's victor will release their winner's single immediately after the final on Sunday, December 11 and will be available to download and stream, with profits going to charity. However, the physical CD - usually released a few days after the final - won't be put out this time. 

The X Factor winner's single is usually a strong contender for the Official Christmas Number 1. Three of the last five yuletide chart-toppers have been claimed by acts unconnected to the TV show, though seven of its overall 12 winners have managed to claim it. Check out who this year's champion will be competing against in the list of contenders for the 2016 Official Christmas Number 1.

No other details have been revealed for this year's X Factor winner's single; though it has been widely reported that it will be an original song written by Ed Sheeran. 

The physical CD single format has been in decline for some years since the introduction of digital downloads to the charts in 2005 and streaming in 2014; though some acts still put out a limited run of physical copies aimed at their more dedicated fans.

MORE: The Official biggest selling X Factor winner's singles revealed

The CD single has traditionally given a healthy boost to the success of an X Factor winner's single. Last year's champion Lousia Johnson had the best selling physical single of 2015 with her cover of Bob Dylan's Forever Young, which shifted 30,000 copies. The year before that, Ben Haenow's winning track Something I Need sold 92,000 physical CDs. 

Interestingly, the biggest selling physical single so far this year comes from a Britain's Got Talent act - I'll Be There by family harmony group Neales, who reached the final in 2015. The song, which peaked at Number 22 on the Official Singles Chart back in June, has shifted just over 43,000 copies. 

MORE: Who is the biggest star to come out of the The X Factor? The numbers revealed