Ed Sheeran and Elton John release festive single video as they join Christmas No.1 race

Ed Sheeran and Elton John released their charity Christmas single today which features a host of celebrities and plays homage to scenes from previous Christmas music videos.

The extravagant video for single Merry Christmas features sleigh bells, uplifting arrangements and joyous festive harmonies and is the first collaboration between the pair.

In the video the pair play homage to previous Christmas music videos, which reached number 1, including Wham’s Last Christmas, Shakin’ Stevens’ Merry Christmas, and East 17’s Stay Another Day.

There is also a nod to iconic Christmas films such as The Snowman and Love Actually.

Ed appears pays homage to the much-loved rom com as he appears in festive doorway wearing a Christmas jumper and holding up giant cue cards.