Sam Fender and Olivia Dean’s ‘Rein Me In’ Sets All-Time UK Chart Record

Sam Fender and Olivia Dean have officially secured their place in British music history, as their collaborative single “Rein Me In” has become the longest-running British Number One single of all time. The track has now spent 16 weeks at the top of the UK singles chart, surpassing the 15-week record previously held by Wet Wet Wet’s 1994 hit “Love Is All Around.”

Breaking the 30-Year Record

The milestone was confirmed following the track’s 16th week at the summit, officially eclipsing the record held by Wet Wet Wet for over three decades. “Rein Me In” now sits behind only Frankie Laine’s 1958 classic “I Believe” in terms of total weeks at Number One, and it currently ties with Bryan Adams’ 1991 anthem “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” for the second-longest run in history.

The song’s path to the top was unconventional. It took 35 weeks from its initial chart entry to reach Number One, setting a record for the longest climb to the top spot. Throughout its run, the single has demonstrated immense staying power, spending 55 consecutive weeks in the UK top 40 and 38 weeks within the top 10.

Industry Response to the Success

The track’s sustained performance has drawn praise from label leadership. Ben Mortimer, President, Polydor Label Group, noted that the team recognized the song’s “rare quality” early on. “Watching it build has been incredibly rewarding – that kind of sustained success doesn’t happen by accident,” Mortimer stated.

Jo Charrington, President, Capitol UK, described the collaboration as the “duet of the decade.” Charrington added, “To see Olivia’s voice and artistry connect with people on this scale, alongside an artist as brilliant as Sam, has been wonderful to watch.”

Historical Chart Context

The success of “Rein Me In” represents a significant achievement for both artists. For Sam Fender, the track marks his first UK Number One single, while for Olivia Dean, it stands as her second. The collaboration has also been recognized with the Song Of The Year award at the BRITs 2026.

The single’s performance metrics include:

• Longest consecutive Top 40 run: The track is only the second single in history to spend a full calendar year in the UK top 40.
• Top 10 consistency: It holds the outright record for the most weeks in the UK top 10 for any non-Christmas single.
• Chart trajectory: It is the only single in UK chart history to climb back to the top position four times during the same chart run.

Recent Accolades for the Artists

The record-breaking run of “Rein Me In” coincides with significant career milestones for both performers. Earlier this year, Sam Fender was the recipient of the Songwriter Of The Year award at the Ivor Novellos, where Elton John lauded him as “one of the greatest lyricists Britain has ever produced.” Olivia Dean has seen similar momentum, winning Best New Artist at the BET Awards and securing the Album Of The Year title at the BRITs in February for her project The Art Of Loving.