Sam Fender & Olivia Dean Single Ties U.K.'s All-Time No. 1 Record

Sam Fender and Olivia Dean’s collaboration on “Rein Me In” has reached a historic milestone by tying the all-time record for the longest-running No. 1 single in the United Kingdom. The track has now spent 18 non-consecutive weeks at the top of the Official Singles Chart, matching the record set by Frankie Laine’s 1953 hit “I Believe.”

The journey of “Rein Me In” to the top spot was gradual but steady. Released initially in February 2025 as part of Fender’s album People Watching, the song gained added momentum when Olivia Dean joined for a remix in June that year. This version contributed significantly to the track’s prolonged climb and eventual dominance on the charts.

The achievement of 18 weeks at No. 1 places “Rein Me In” in an elite category, surpassing several notable British and international records. It is now the longest-running No. 1 single by a British act, overtaking Wet Wet Wet’s “Love Is All Around,” which held the top spot for 15 weeks. It also eclipsed Bryan Adams’ “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You,” which was at No. 1 for 16 weeks in 1991.

This latest record also makes “Rein Me In” the longest-running No. 1 single in the 21st century, exceeding Drake’s “Hotline Bling,” which spent 15 weeks at the summit. The song’s endurance on the charts reflects its broad appeal and staying power in a competitive music landscape.

Despite its dominance, a few other artists briefly interrupted “Rein Me In” during its reign. Singles like Harry Styles’ “American Girls,” Olivia Rodrigo’s “Drop Dead” and “The Cure,” Ariana Grande’s “Hate That I Made You Love Me,” and Taylor Swift’s “I Knew It, I Knew You” each held the top position for one week. However, none managed to displace the record-holding track for an extended period.

In addition to its chart success, “Rein Me In” received critical recognition, notably winning the Song of the Year award at the 2026 BRIT Awards. For Fender, this marks his first No. 1 single in the UK, while for Dean it is her second, following her earlier hit “Man I Need.”

The song’s ascent and sustained popularity highlight a significant moment in both artists’ careers, solidifying their presence in the UK music scene. The lengthy chart run also underscores the strength of collaborative remixes as a strategy to rejuvenate and extend a track’s commercial life.

Meanwhile, the UK charts have seen other movements with Shakira and Burna Boy’s “Dai Dai” climbing to a new peak at No. 2, boosted by their halftime performance at the FIFA World Cup Final. Other tracks like ANOTR and 54 Ultra’s “Talk To You,” Olivia Rodrigo’s “Stupid Song,” and Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” have also seen notable rises, reflecting diverse listener interests during the summer period.

From an industry perspective, the success of “Rein Me In” may have long-term implications for both artists’ touring and promotional strategies. The proven audience engagement could encourage extended tours or festival appearances while influencing setlists to feature this enduring hit prominently.

Moreover, the record-breaking run suggests a shift in how singles maintain relevance in the streaming era, where longevity can be driven by strategic releases and remixes rather than immediate peak performance. This model may impact how artists and labels approach single releases going forward.

The sustained chart performance also signals a deepening connection between the artists and their fanbases, as continuous streaming and sales reflect ongoing listener enthusiasm. This relationship could be a foundational element in the longevity of their careers and future releases.

As of now, it remains to be seen whether “Rein Me In” will extend its record beyond 18 weeks or if a new contender will emerge to challenge this milestone. Regardless, the current achievement places Sam Fender and Olivia Dean in the annals of UK music history, representing a significant cultural moment for contemporary British music.