Westlife Reflects on Their 25-Year Rivalry with Bob the Builder

Westlife has humorously revisited their long-standing rivalry with Bob the Builder, noting how the cartoon character’s catchy tune, “Can We Fix It?”, thwarted their chances for a Christmas number one over two decades ago. The band’s Shane Filan shared insights into this ongoing “touchy subject” during a recent TikTok video, revealing that they believe they could have achieved an impressive streak of eleven consecutive number ones had it not been for the animated builder.

Back in the year 2000, Westlife released their single “What Makes A Man” and looked poised to claim the Christmas top spot. However, Bob the Builder’s infectious track disrupted their aspirations, marking a memorable moment in UK music history. Now, more than 25 years later, the band still feels the impact of that loss.

In the TikTok clip, Filan expressed the band’s playful frustration, noting, “If it wasn’t for pesky Bob, we would have had 11 number ones in a row.” Fans quickly took to social media, sharing their own humorous anecdotes about the rivalry. One user recalled the awkwardness of having to purchase Bob the Builder merchandise while also being a Westlife fan, while another lamented the familial ties that forced them to support the cartoon character.

Kylie Minogue Takes the Christmas Crown in 2023

This year, the festive music scene sees Kylie Minogue taking the title of Christmas number one with her new single, “XMAS.” Her success marks a significant achievement as she becomes the first female artist to reach the top of the charts in four different decades, with her first number one dating back to 1988.

In a statement, Kylie expressed her delight, saying, “It’s hard to put into words how special this feels.” She plans to celebrate the holiday season in Australia, spending time with family and indulging in a jigsaw puzzle.

Martin Talbot, head of the Official Charts Company, commented on Minogue’s success, noting, “Kylie really, really targeted this particular race. Her record label pulled out all the stops. When you have a superstar of her status really going for it, she’s always going to be in with a chance.”

As Westlife continues to reflect on their playful feud with Bob the Builder, the music landscape remains vibrant, with artists like Kylie Minogue shaping the holiday charts. The blend of nostalgia and current achievements showcases the ever-evolving nature of the music industry, while reminding fans of the joy and competition that come with the festive season.