Is Rihanna actually Father Christmas?

Let’s face it - after a year and a bit’s build-up, Rihanna failing to bring out ‘Anti’ doesn’t put her on Santa’s nice list. But in a last minute bid for redemption, it looks like RiRi could be releasing #R8 in the next twenty-four hours.

Australia’s The Today Show tweeted yesterday (23rd December) that Rihanna “has an extra special Christmas present for her fans, releasing her 8th studio album “Anti” tomorrow.” Blimey.

The tweet has since been deleted, with Channel 9 Australia Entertainment Editor, Richard Wilkins, following up by claiming that Universal would not confirm the potential Christmas Eve release.

Welp... They deleted the tweet! @TheTodayShow #ANTIdiaRy #Anti @rihanna pic.twitter.com/HVdZfcbuQI
— Nick Barnes (@imnickbarnes) December 23, 2015

One thing is certain - the “doors” on Rihanna’s elaborate #AntiDiary trip have been opening at a faster rate. The longwinded campaign started back in November, with fans being asked to open eight doors, presumably discovering the album in “Room 8”, and not some 30-second teaser clip of her new video. That would be cruel.

The last room (“Room 6”), was opened on 21st December. That’s two rooms to open in twenty-four hours. Get a move on, mate.

Chances are if ‘Anti’ doesn’t come out in time for Santa’s chimney tour, it’ll be available by the time 2016 rolls round. Earlier this month, Sia claimed that Rihanna was still looking for new songs. Although back in September, she was quoted by Popjustice’s Peter Robinson (in an interview with NME): “To me it’s never done until it’s done. Until the final moment.”

This could be it. The final moment. Either way, there’s a world tour fast approaching - see dates here.