Sam Fender is “completely lost for words” after Rein Me In became the longest-running number one single in UK chart history.
The 32-year-old singer and collaborator Olivia Dean’s duet – which first entered the charts back in June 2025 – topped the chart again on Friday (31.07.26), marking its 19th non-consecutive week at the top slot, breaking a record previously set in 1953 by Frankie Laine’s I Believe.
Speaking as he received the Official Chart Record Breaker Award from the Official Charts Company, Sam said: “Completely lost for words, thank you so much to Olivia Dean and the fans for making this song the juggernaut that it is. Can’t believe we broke the UK record!”
Official Charts bosses have congratulated the “exceptional” duo on their achievement.
Becca Monahan and Chris Austin, interim Co-Managing Directors, Official Charts, said: “Congratulations to Sam Fender and Olivia Dean on an extraordinary, history-making achievement. For Rein Me In to break a record that has stood for 73 years is remarkable in itself, but it feels especially significant to see two homegrown British artists write a new chapter in Official Chart history together.
“Sam and Olivia are both exceptional talents, and the incredible connection Rein Me In has made with audiences speaks to the strength and ambition of British music today. At a time when UK artists are competing on a truly global stage, this is a fantastic moment to celebrate British creativity – and a record-breaking Number 1 that will now sit proudly in the history books.”
Dr Jo Twist OBE, BPI Chief Executive, added: “Many congratulations to Sam and Olivia on their incredible achievement with Rein Me In becoming the most successful No.1 single in Official Charts history to cement its place as a modern classic.
“In an evolving world where we all consume music globally, it’s a truly remarkable feat for Rein Me In to resonate with fans in such a profound way. The British public have taken the song to their hearts, and we should all be proud and celebrate this special moment in our music heritage.”
Although it was released last June, Rein Me In took almost eight months to take the top slot, hitting number one on 20 February this year.
Three weeks later, Harry Styles’ American Girls topped the chart but just a week later, Rein Me In was back at number one.
Since then, Olivia Rodrigo’s drop dead and Ariana Grande’s hate that i made you love me have both enjoyed a week on top but been knocked back by Rein Me In.
The song’s 16th week at number one saw it overtake Wet Wet Wet’s Love Is All Around to become the longest-running chart-topper from a British act, and then beat Bryan Adams’ 16-week reign at the top with (Everything I Do) I Do It For You.