Olivia Dean’s sensational breakout period has stretched into a new year with The Art of Loving crowned the U.K.’s first No. 1 album of 2026 (Dec. 2). The LP, first released in September 2025, is at No. 1 on the U.K.’s Official Albums Chart following the end of the festive period where records from Kylie Minogue and Michael Bublé ruled the charts. This week’s chart eligibility period ran from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.
Dean has now spent three non-consecutive weeks at the summit with The Art of Loving, which initially hit the top spot upon release and scored a second week at No. 1 in early December. She also boasts four songs in the top 20 on the Official Singles Chart.
Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend lifts two spots to No. 2 following the release of a new bonus track on Dec. 24. “Such a Funny Way,” first released on physical editions, was released via streaming with Carpenter saying it was a “thank you for such a beautiful year.” Her 2024 album Short n’ Sweet also lifts five spots to No. 6.
Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl retains its staying power by holding position at No. 3 into the new year. Released in October, the LP was credited with boosting the U.K.’s recorded music market in 2025 to brand new highs.
Greatest hits collections from Fleetwood Mac (50 Years – Don’t Stop, No. 4) and The Weeknd (The Highlights, No. 5) round out the top five. Modern classics from Billie Eilish (Hit Me Hard and Soft; No. 20), Olivia Rodrigo (Guts, No. 22; Sour, No. 25) and Charli xcx (Brat, No. 31) also benefit from the chart upheaval following the end of the holiday period.
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