Robbie Williams surpasses The Beatles with most UK Number 1 albums ever as Victoria Beckham lands best-selling single of the week with 2001 hit

Robbie Williams made Official Albums Chart history on Friday as he surpassed The Beatles to become the artist with the most UK Number One albums of all time. 

The singer, 51, scored his 16th chart-topping LP with new release BRITPOP, overtaking John, Paul, George and Ringo to claim more Number One albums than any other artist in UK chart history.

Speaking about the milestone, Robbie said: 'BRITPOP' is the record I’ve always wanted to make, and seeing it become my 16th Number 1 album means everything to me. Thank you to all the fans who have been with me every step of the way. You’ve made my dreams come true.'   

Robbie's first Number One album as a solo artist came with his 1997 debut Life Thru a Lens.

His other chart-toppers include – I’ve Been Expecting You’ (1998), ‘Sing When You’re Winning’ (2000), ‘Swing When You’re Winning’ (2001), ‘Escapology’ (2002), ‘Greatest Hits’ (2004), ‘Intensive Care’ (2005), ‘Rudebox’ (2006), ‘In and Out of Consciousness: Greatest Hits 1990-2010’ (2010),

‘Take The Crown’ (2012), ‘Swings Both Ways’ (2013), ‘The Heavy Entertainment Show’ (2016), ‘The Christmas Present’ (2019), ’XXV’ (2022), 'Better Man (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)’ (2025) and ‘BRITPOP’ (2026). 

Released last Friday via Columbia Records, BRITPOP is Robbie's 13th studio album and features the singles Rocket, Spies, Human, Pretty Face and All My Life.

Collaborators on the record include Coldplay's Chris Martin, Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes, Black Sabbath legend Tony Iommi, Mexican pop duo Jesse & Joy and former Take That bandmate Gary Barlow. 

Martin Talbot, Chief Executive Officer, Official Charts, said: 'Congratulations Robbie! There are chart records and there are chart records – and Robbie Williams’ achievement today in securing his record 16th UK Number 1 album is simply extraordinary.

'Not even the confident young 16-year-old from Stoke-on-Trent would have believed this were possible when he joined Take That back in 1990, but here he is, on top of the world, the UK’s number 1 album artist - of all time! Just let that sink in, Robbie!

Meanwhile, in a surprise chart twist, Victoria Beckham's 2001 solo single Not Such An Innocent Girl became the UK's best-selling single of the week - nearly 25 years after its original release. 

The unexpected resurgence came days after her estranged son Brooklyn posted his scathing six-page statement in which he claimed his mother danced 'inappropriately' at his 2022 wedding, sparking an extraordinary fan-led social media campaign.

The track which showcased Posh Spice's raunchy dance moves, shot to number one on the iTunes chart in the UK and Ireland on Thursday. 

Victoria's youngest son Cruz also helped with the promo effort, using his mum's song to soundtrack one of his Instagram Stories on Thursday. 

Despite her hit becoming the UK's best-selling single of the week, Victoria didn't make the Top 100 of the Official Singles Chart. 

However, she did secure two number ones on the Official Download Chart and the Official Sales Chart, confirming her single as the UK's best-selling this week. 

Meanwhile, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band also reached number one on iTunes. 

Expressing their gratitude to fans, the band said: 'We’re genuinely blown away that our collaborative debut album has landed at #4 in the Official Charts and #1 in the Scottish and Download Charts. 

'It’s something we can hardly wrap our heads around. Thanks to our fans - the best in the world.' 

Elsewhere, One Direction fans were delighted as former bandmates Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson released new music. 

Harry returned with Aperture, the first single from his upcoming fourth album KISS ALL THE TIME. DISCO, OCCASIONALLY., while Louis dropped Imposter, the focus track from his third LP How Did I Get Here?

Three-time Grammy Award winner Harry has already gained huge attention online after revealing his new album Kiss All The Time, Disco Occasionally and single. 

The As It Was hitmaker is bound to shoot to number one in the charts which is unfortunate for Louis, who will be hoping for a number one single and album as well.

Taking to X ahead of the release, Louis appeared to be aware of the conundrum and asked his 28.8million X followers for their 'help cutting through the noise'.

He penned: 'Going to need your help over the next few days to cut through the noise. Time to give this record the moment it deserves!'

Fans quickly took to the comments to ask the Lemonade singer if he is 'throwing shade' at his former bandmate Harry.

They wrote: '"cut through the noise" why do I feel like this is harry shade?; Is he trying to shade… Harry?; Oh Harry Styles when I catch you’.

Louis hasn’t responded to accusations of making a dig at the Watermelon Sugar singer but did post a ‘thank you’ to those who had supported him.

He penned: 'Let me take this moment to say thank you to every single person that has supported me over the years. You are throughout this record and everything I do.

'This album would never have sounded the way it does without all the power and confidence you lot have given me. Thank you, thank you, thank you! How did I get here?'

It has been a busy week for Directioners as Harry and Louis prepared to drop new music, Zayn Malik kicked off his Las Vegas residency and Niall teased a new single, Drive Safe, with singer Myles Smith.

Louis showed his support to Niall on Instagram, writing, 'Love this!' under the announcement post.

So far, Louis, whose 2022 album Faith in the Future secured number one in the UK, has released three singles for his new album How Did I Get Here?, titled Imposter, Palaces, and Lemonade.

Lemonade managed to crack the top 30 in the UK singles chart after being release in September but follow-up single Palaces failed to make a splash.

Harry has previously released three solo albums, Harry Styles (2017), Fine Line (2019), and Harry's House (2022).

The British star has gone on to win three Grammy Awards, one for singer Watermelon Sugar and two for his album Harry's House.