Peter Andre calls for radio stations to ban popular Christmas song

Peter Andre has penned an open letter to radio stations demanding they 'ban' Andy Williams' festive hit as it's 'misleading' the public - claiming it isn't the most wonderful time of the year and that summer holidays are instead. The singer and television personality, who's been appointed 'Head of Summer Holidays' for travel giant On the Beach, admits he risks being branded 'Grinch' over his letter to all UK radio stations 'on behalf of Brits'.

The pop legend claims that once you strip back the fun aspects of the festivities and take into account strikes, price hikes and the 'general low mood of the nation' the stark reality is that it's 'cold, dark and expensive'. In light of this, he passionately argues that sunny overseas getaways are the most wonderful time of the year instead.

This impassioned plea is off the back of a survey by On the Beach that reveals that more than half (60%) of the nation would prefer to skip Christmas in favour of a beach getaway. The travel agent quizzed 2,000 Brits on their Christmas and holiday habits and found that more than three-quarters of Brits (78%) believe that summer holidays are better than Christmas.

More than half of those surveyed (57%) said they are either dreading or are unexcited about Christmas this year. While a festive 38% said they are Christmas lovers generally, the same number (39%) now identify as 'Christmas neutral' - with this indifference begging the question of whether Brits are falling out of love with the holiday.

The results of the survey prompted Peter to put pen to paper and challenge radio stations under Section 3 of the CAP Broadcast Code, suggesting the song is 'false advertising' and he has data that confirms this. Section 3.1 of the CAP Broadcast Code states that 'advertisements must not materially mislead or be likely to do so'.

However countering Peter's claims is section 3.4 that states 'obvious exaggerations ("puffery") and claims that the average consumer who sees the advertisement is unlikely to take literally are allowed provided they do not materially mislead'. Peter said: "The results of this survey don't surprise me. Sure festive frolics are fun but, let's face it, Christmas can get repetitive and pressurising.

"It's much more exciting to visit new places, experience new things and make meaningful memories - and there's no better place to do that than on holiday. "In my new role, all I can do now is politely ask radio stations to respect the British people's viewpoint and not play 'It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year' at Christmas anymore.

"Perhaps they can play it on a loop in July instead?"

Chief customer officer at On the Beach, Zoe Harris, said: "We couldn't agree more with Pete. The survey findings clearly demonstrate a shift of preference to holidays being more magical and memorable than Christmas.

"People want to enjoy experiences rather than be given a material present. What's more, people want to take time for themselves during precious days away from work - enjoying joyous moments in life, such as sunbathing and sea swimming, rather than being bound by constant Christmas pressures when people rarely take time to relax."

Peter's letter in full reads: "By playing this track you're giving your listeners false hope that Christmas and winter in general is the most wonderful time of the year, when in fact it isn't. I even have data to prove it. Recent findings from On the Beach have confirmed what we already suspected - 78% of people, more than three quarters of Brits, believe that going on holiday is better than Christmas.

"Therefore, unsurprisingly, the vast majority of the population (85%) agree the Andy Williams' song is factually incorrect, proving Christmas simply isn't the most wonderful time of the year. While I acknowledge there are some extremely pleasant moments during yuletide festivities, they're normally fleeting and often come with a busy schedule, an empty wallet and not much to show otherwise.

"Strip back the gift-giving, tinsel and twinkly lights and people are left with the stark reality that this time of year is cold, dark, and expensive. Factor in the cost-of-living crisis, national strikes, overall price hikes and general low mood of the nation and you get my drift.

"Without sounding like the Grinch, but instead as proud Head of Summer Holidays for On the Beach, I put it to you Sir or Madam, overseas getaways are the most wonderful time of the year instead. A time to make memories with loved ones, splash around in the sea with the kids, enjoy sunsets on the beach and truly discover yourself again.

"These are all the magical factors that constitute it being the most wonderful time of the year. So I'm urging you to refrain from playing what is in fact misleading the public. And my request is backed up by solid data compiled by On the Beach."

For more information, visit https://www.onthebeach.co.uk/