Captain Tom Moore has become the oldest person ever to reach the top of the UK singles chart thanks to his charity duet with Michael Ball.
The 99-year-old has become a national inspiration during the coronavirus lockdown, raising more than £28.6 million for the NHS by walking laps of his back garden.
'You'll Never Walk Alone' was in danger of losing out on the top spot to The Weeknd's TikTok track of choice 'Blinding Lights', but the Canadian's public backing of Captain Tom on Thursday helped get it over the line.
The news means that Captain Tom will spend his 100th birthday next week top of the UK charts - smashing a previous record held by Tom Jones, who hit the top spot at the age of 68 years and nine months with 'Barry Islands In The Stream' in 2009.
Ball himself also enters the top 10 list of oldest artists with a number one single, landing in eighth place at the age of 57 years and nine months, according to data supplied by the Official Charts Company.
"What wonderful news to receive today, a No.1 single and a record breaker too – my grandchildren can't believe I am a chart-topper!" said Moore, who was 32 years old when the Official Charts began in 1952.
"I have to thank Michael Ball, the NHS Voices of Care Choir and everyone behind the scenes, who shared their talents and expertise in order to raise money for the NHS, to whom we owe so much. And, of course, the public for buying the single and donating – we're in this together, and I am forever grateful for your support. And this just proves 'You'll Never Walk Alone'."
Elsewhere, the Live Lounge Allstars cover of 'Times Like These' enters the chart at number five, despite only being available for a few hours before the chart was calculated on Thursday evening.
Neil Wilkes
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