Sam Fender and Olivia Dean Break 73-Year UK No 1 Record 2026

Sam Fender and Olivia Dean have made history as their single Rein Me In breaks a 73-year record to become the longest-running UK No 1 single. The track has now spent 19 weeks at the top of the UK singles chart, surpassing the previous record held by Frankie Laine's 'I Believe' since 1953. This remarkable achievement has stunned fans and industry insiders alike, especially given modern chart rules designed to prevent such long reigns.

The Record-Breaking Journey of Rein Me In

When Sam Fender wrote Rein Me In for his album People Watching, released in February 2025, he likely didn't anticipate the monumental impact it would have. The song, a gentler and more folk-inspired track compared to his usual anthemic style, has resonated deeply with listeners. Its slow, rollicking rhythm and heartbreaking lyrics tell a story of someone spiraling into addiction, which has struck a chord across the UK.

The previous record holder, Frankie Laine's 'I Believe', achieved 18 weeks at No 1 in 1953, when the UK singles chart was only 12 songs long. Since then, several songs have come close, including Bryan Adams's '(Everything I Do) I Do It For You' (16 weeks in 1991), Wet Wet Wet's 'Love is All Around' (15 weeks in 1994), Drake's 'One Dance' (15 weeks in 2016), and Ed Sheeran's 'Shape of You' (14 weeks in 2017). But none have matched the staying power of Rein Me In.

Chart Rules and the Unprecedented Feat

What makes this achievement even more impressive is that the UK music industry has introduced rules in recent years to prevent such long runs at No 1. These rules, including accelerated decline in streaming ratios, were designed to encourage chart turnover. Despite these obstacles, Sam Fender and Olivia Dean have managed to cling on for 19 weeks, a feat that many thought impossible.

Fan Support and Olivia Dean's Contribution

Olivia Dean's collaboration has been pivotal to the song's success. Her soulful vocals complement Fender's raw delivery, creating a duet that feels both intimate and powerful. Fender expressed his gratitude, saying, “I'm completely lost for words. Thank you so much to Olivia Dean and the fans for making this song the juggernaut that it is.” The fan support has been relentless, with social media campaigns and streaming parties keeping the song at the summit.

Comparison of Longest-Running UK No 1 Singles

To put this record into perspective, here's a comparison of the top five longest-running UK No 1 singles of all time:

Key Takeaways from This Historic Achievement

• Rein Me In has broken a 73-year-old record, becoming the longest-running UK No 1 single ever.
• The song's success is attributed to its emotional depth and the powerful collaboration between Sam Fender and Olivia Dean.
• Modern chart rules have made this feat even more remarkable.
• Fan dedication and streaming have played a crucial role in sustaining the song's popularity.
• This record may stand for decades, given the industry's efforts to prevent such long reigns.

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