How Sam Fender & Olivia Dean’s ‘Rein Me In’ Became the U.K.’s Longest-Running No. 1 Single Ever

In June 2025, Sam Fender's concert at the London Stadium marked a significant milestone for various reasons. It was the halfway point of the promotion for his Mercury Prize-winning album, People Watching, and also his largest ever headlining performance. However, the most consequential moment of the show occurred when the support act, Olivia Dean, joined Fender on stage during the album deep cut, "Rein Me In." This collaboration sparked a remarkable journey for both artists and their song.

"Rein Me In" has now reached unprecedented heights on the U.K.'s Official Singles Chart, holding the No. 1 spot for an astounding 20 weeks. This achievement has made it the longest-running No. 1 single of the 21st century, surpassing Drake's "Hotline Bling," which held the record for 16 weeks. The song has also climbed to the top of all-time U.K. No. 1 single rankings, overtaking Frankie Laine's "I Believe," which achieved an 18-week stint at the top in 1953.

In February, "Rein Me In" was honored with the prestigious BRIT Awards' song of the year prize, voted upon by the public, with Fender and Dean present to accept the award in Manchester. In early May, when the song's dominance was at its peak, Dean reciprocated by inviting Fender to perform the track live at her headline show at London's O2 Arena. This partnership has propelled both British acts to the forefront of the international music scene, marking a remarkable resurgence for the country's music industry.