The singer performed his new Christmas single, You’re Christmas to me, in Commercial Road, Portsmouth on Wednesday, December 20. The race to be Christmas number one is heating up with the Eurovision runner up currently in second place behind Wham’s Last Christmas. Ryder’s performance was one of 26 he is doing around the country over six days.
Ryder, who also performed a number of other songs to the excited crowd, told those in attendance: “We are in the tightest race for Christmas number one since the Darkness versus Mad World (in 2003). It was an injustice that Darkness got number two, let’s not repeat it, we have the power.”
Here are 12 pictures from the surprise performance:
1. Sam Ryder's surprise Portsmouth appearance
Sam Ryder poses for pictures with fans in Commercial Road, Portsmouth as he bids to become Christmas number one. Photo: Emma Terracciano
2. Sam Ryder's suprise Portsmouth appearance
Sam Ryder addresses the crowd in Commercial Road, Portsmouth before singing a live version of his Christmas single, You're Christmas to Me. Photo: Emma Terracciano
3. Sam Ryder's surprise Portsmouth appearance
Sam Ryder sung his new single, You're Christmas to me, while handing out leaflets in Commercial Road, Portsmouth as he looks to get the Christmas number one spot. Photo: Emma Terracciano
4. Sam Ryder's surprise Portsmouth appearance
Sam Ryder delighted shoppers with a surprise performance in Commercial Road, Portsmouth. Photo: Emma Terracciano