Sam Fender and Olivia Dean’s ‘Rein Me In’ Breaks Records as U.K.’s Longest-Running No. 1 Single

Published on 2026-08-10 13:25:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk

Sam Fender and Olivia Dean’s collaboration, “Rein Me In,” has made history by becoming the longest-running No. 1 single in U.K. chart history. The track has achieved an impressive 20 weeks at the top of the Official U.K. Singles Chart, surpassing previous records set by iconic songs.

Historic Milestone for ‘Rein Me In’

The single, which debuted in June 2025 during Fender’s performance at the London Stadium, has captivated audiences and critics alike. The event marked a pivotal moment in Fender’s career, coinciding with the release of his Mercury Prize-winning album, People Watching. During the concert, Dean joined Fender on stage to perform the song, showcasing their chemistry and talent.

“Rein Me In” has now surpassed Drake’s “Hotline Bling,” which previously held the record for the longest-running No. 1 single of the 21st century with 16 weeks. The song has also eclipsed Frankie Laine’s “I Believe,” which held the record for 18 weeks in 1953, solidifying its place in music history.

Recognition and Awards

In February 2026, “Rein Me In” was awarded the BRIT Awards’ publicly voted Song of the Year. Both artists were present to accept the accolade at Co-op Live in Manchester. The song’s success continued as Dean invited Fender to perform it during her headline shows at London’s O2 Arena, further solidifying their status as leading figures in the British music scene.

Chart Performance

Initially, “Rein Me In” peaked at No. 6 in late June after its revamped release. It fluctuated in the mid-teens before breaking into the top 10 in November. The song’s unique position in the charts was aided by the Official Chart Company rules, which allowed Dean to have a fourth entry in the top 100 due to its collaborative nature.

By October, Dean became the first female solo artist to have four singles in the top 10 simultaneously. Following Dean’s Grammy win for Best New Artist, the song completed a remarkable 35-week ascent to the top spot, marking Fender’s first No. 1 and Dean’s second.

International Success

“Rein Me In” has not only dominated the U.K. charts but has also made waves internationally. It peaked at No. 64 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Fender’s first entry on the U.S. charts. The song has topped charts in Ireland and Australia, and has seen strong performances in the Netherlands and New Zealand.

Record-Breaking Achievements

Throughout its 20-week reign, “Rein Me In” has broken numerous records. It became the longest-running No. 1 of the 2020s, dethroning Alex Warren’s “Ordinary,” which held the title for 13 weeks. Additionally, it surpassed Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” which had previously been the longest-running No. 1 by a British act this century.

The song’s success has been attributed to its emotional depth and relatable themes. Fender expressed that he recognized the song’s potential from the moment he wrote it five years ago, describing it as a reflection of personal experiences with regret and excess.

Dean, who is signed to Capitol U.K., contributed a new verse to the track, transforming it into a dialogue that offers a sense of redemption. Richard O’Donovan, head of A&R at Polydor, noted the song’s unique appeal and the excitement generated by the collaboration.

As reported by www.billboard.com.

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