Rage Against The Machine are 65,000 download sales ahead of X Factor winner Joe McElderry.

A source has told Gigwise that, according to the newly published midweek sales figures, Rage's 'Killing In The Name' has dramatically increased its lead over 'The Climb'.

We're told that employees at Simon Cowell's company Syco are “pissed off as they have never been in this situation before.”

Despite the significant lead, the physical format of McElderry's single hits the shelves today meaning Rage Against The Machine still have an uphill task.

Those who want 'Killing In The Name' to be the Christmas number one will have to continue buying it throughout the week.

Simon Cowell, Susan Boyle and Joe McElderry sing Rage Against The Machine.