History was made in the music charts last week as Sam Fender and Olivia Dean rode into town with their chart-topping anthem 'Rein Me In', notching up an incredible 16th consecutive week at number one. This phenomenal achievement has seen them shatter a British record that had stood firm for over three decades, leaving their predecessors in the dust.
The North Shields crooner and London songstress first joined forces on live stages last summer, belting out their collaborative track from Fender's 'People Watching' album to packed audiences at his London and Newcastle shows. The magic was palpable, and it wasn't long before their special blend of musical chemistry made its way onto the charts.
Having accumulated an astonishing 35 weeks since its initial chart entry, 'Rein Me In' finally reached the summit in February this year - a staggering feat that marks the longest climb to number one in UK chart history. But what's even more remarkable is how it has surpassed Wet Wet Wet's record-breaking single 'Love Is All Around', which spent 15 weeks at number one back in 1994.
The song's incredible staying power has seen it dominate the top spot, while also racking up an impressive 55 consecutive weeks in the UK top 40 and a whopping 28 consecutive weeks in the top 10. And if that wasn't enough, 'Rein Me In' has achieved another chart feat: it's the only single to have climbed back to number one four times during the same chart run.
The industry has taken notice of this chart-topper, with Fender and Dean being crowned Song Of The Year at the BRIT Awards 2026. This marked a major milestone for Sam Fender, whose 'Rein Me In' earned him his first UK number one single - and cemented Olivia Dean's status as a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
Both artists have been raking in the accolades this year, with Sam Fender receiving the prestigious Songwriter Of The Year award at the Ivor Novellos (praised by Elton John as 'one of the greatest lyricists Britain has ever produced'), and Olivia Dean taking home multiple gongs at the BRITs - including Album Of The Year for 'The Art Of Loving'.