Sam Fender and Olivia Dean have made UK chart history with their duet Rein Me In, which has become the longest-running number one single of all time by a British act. The song, which has spent 16 weeks at the top of the UK charts, surpassed Wet Wet Wet’s Love is All Around from 1994 and matched Bryan Adams’ (Everything I Do) I Do It For You.
Published on July 10, 2026, the news marks a significant achievement for both artists. Fender expressed his disbelief at the record-breaking success, stating, "Watching the song break chart records has been ridiculous and an excuse to party." He also highlighted Dean's contribution, saying, "Olivia putting the alternative narrative on it made the song really universal – that opened the floodgates. There’s two sides to the story. And, it’s a toe tapper! It’s officially a banger!"
Olivia Dean's Rise in the UK Music Scene
Olivia Dean has emerged as a significant force in the UK music industry, further solidifying her status with this record. She was crowned the new UK queen of pop during the Brit Awards in February, where Rein Me In also won the award for Song of the Year. This achievement highlights her growing influence and appeal in the pop genre.
Before this collaboration, Dean had already achieved notable success with her single Man I Need, which also topped the charts. Her ability to connect with audiences through relatable narratives is a key factor in her rapid rise.
Chart Performance and Records Broken
Fender and Dean's collaboration has not only set records for the longest consecutive run in the UK top 40 but also for the most weeks in the UK top 10 for any non-Christmas single. The song's journey to the top began with its release in June 2025 as a remix of Fender's solo album track.
- 16 weeks at number one
- Surpassed Wet Wet Wet’s record
- Matched Bryan Adams’ record
- Longest consecutive run in the UK top 40
- Most weeks in the UK top 10 for non-Christmas singles
As they celebrate these milestones, the duo is eyeing another significant record: the longest-running number one by any artist, currently held by Frankie Laine for I Believe, which spent 18 weeks at the top in 1953.
The Impact of Social Media on Their Success
The viral nature of their debut performance at one of Fender's London Stadium shows has played a crucial role in elevating the song's popularity. The video of their live collaboration garnered significant attention on social media, contributing to its sustained success on the charts.
This highlights the growing importance of social media in the music industry, as artists leverage platforms to reach wider audiences and engage with fans directly. The combination of Fender's established fanbase and Dean's emerging popularity has created a powerful synergy that has resonated with listeners.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC News. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
