TODAY’S PAPER | January 24, 2026 | EPAPER

Robbie Williams breaks UK chart record previously held by The Beatles

Robbie Williams has made UK chart history after Britpop debuted at No. 1, surpassing The Beatles’ long-standing record


Pop Culture & Art January 24, 2026 1 min read
Photo: Reuters

Robbie Williams has made UK chart history after his latest album, Britpop, debuted at No. 1, giving him a total of 16 chart-topping albums and surpassing The Beatles’ long-standing record. 

The milestone makes Williams the solo artist with the most No. 1 albums in UK history.

In an exclusive reaction following the announcement, Williams described the achievement as “absolutely insane,” admitting he was still processing what the moment meant. He emphasized his gratitude, calling the record-breaking success both unexpected and deeply personal.

The chart triumph comes shortly after it was revealed that Williams has stepped back from living full-time in the UK. The singer is now dividing his time between Miami and the Maldives, citing a preference for warmer climates. Williams explained that after spending decades abroad before returning to London in 2022, he ultimately decided that grey weather was no longer for him.

Williams first reached No. 1 as a solo artist in 1997 with Life Thru a Lens, following his departure from Take That. Since then, he has consistently dominated the UK charts, releasing a mix of studio albums, compilations, and genre-spanning projects that have cemented his status as one of Britain’s most successful recording artists. His career includes more than 80 million records sold worldwide and a record 18 Brit Awards.

Speaking about the comparison to The Beatles, Williams acknowledged the historic nature of their legacy, describing them as “the best band to ever exist.” He downplayed his own achievement with characteristic self-deprecation, emphasizing how fortunate he feels to be part of music history, even briefly.

Williams also revealed that he has multiple albums already recorded, suggesting that more new music could arrive in the coming years. Britpop is his most recent release and marks another major chapter in a career that continues to evolve more than three decades after it began.

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