If this doesn't ruin your Christmas, I don't know what will: rumours abound that The Darkness are planning a reformation in 2009.

Although lead singer Justin Hawkins launched his new band Hot Leg earlier this year - and plans to bring them to Ireland for a couple of dates in February - the cock-rockers are reportedly considering a reunion at some stage in the near future.

An American promoter, who books bands for the Desert Rocks festival in Dubai, has allegedly approached the quartet with an offer. However, it's believed that the band's split was quite acrimonious - and that fact would put paid to the rumours.

The Darkness released two studio albums before splitting in 2006.