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Nineteen years after his last chart-topper, James Blunt is back at Number 1 — and the price of victory is his own name. The singer's eighth studio album, Airplane Mode, was confirmed at the top of the Official Albums Chart on Friday, November 13, 2026, giving the 52-year-old his first UK Number 1 album since 2007. And true to a very public promise, Blunt now says he will legally change his name to Ryan Air.
A Chart Race That Went Down to the Wire
Airplane Mode was released on November 6, 2026, through Atlantic Records. The 12-track album features songs including "Tastes Like Summer," "Weight Of It All," "Circles," "Modern Love" and "Oh, Daisy."
The race for the top spot was genuinely close. Midweek, Royal Blood's fifth studio album Dead Company was leading by around 300 sales. But Blunt's fans rallied, and by Friday the Official Charts Company confirmed Airplane Mode at Number 1 with more than 26,000 units sold — over 4,000 clear of Royal Blood, who debuted at Number 2. Olivia Rodrigo's You Look Pretty Sad For A Girl So In Love held third place.
The achievement makes Airplane Mode Blunt's third UK Number 1 album, following Back to Bedlam in 2005 and All the Lost Souls in 2007. Reacting to the news, he told Official Charts: "I can't tell you how grateful I am to every single person who has gone out there and downloaded, or bought, or streamed my album. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much!"
The Celebrity Traitors Effect
The chart win did not come out of nowhere. Just weeks earlier, Blunt had become one of the most talked-about contestants on season two of the BBC's The Celebrity Traitors, reaching the final three before being banished. The show put his face on British television night after night — and, as Blunt has said himself, it was his wife Sofia Wellesley who signed him up for the show in the first place. The album arrived while the Traitors buzz was still fresh, and the new audience the show brought him appears to have shown up at the record shops and streaming services too.
The Bet: Goodbye James Blunt, Hello Ryan Air
But the story behind this Number 1 is even better than the chart position itself. Before the album came out, Blunt promised on social media that if Airplane Mode reached Number 1, he would legally change his name to Ryan Air. He had made a similar promise in 2024, when a reissue of Back to Bedlam peaked at Number 7 — that time, he got away with it. This time, the name change is, as Official Charts put it, "cleared for take-off."
Even the airline joined in. Ryanair replied to Blunt on X with the dry line: "at least people would know you then." The name change is yet to be made official by deed poll, but Blunt has already begun signing off as "Ryan Air" on social media.
He was not the only one making bold promises. A fan known on X as JoeBangles11 bet that if the album hit Number 1, he would legally adopt the name James Blunt — and sweetened the deal with a £1,000 donation to a charity of Blunt's choosing. Blunt named the Blue Marine Foundation, and the fan confirmed his new legal name takes effect this week. So for now, there are effectively two James Blunts — and one Ryan Air.
Wife Sofia's Rare Public Celebration
The win was also a family moment. Blunt's wife, Sofia Wellesley, shared a rare loved-up photo of the couple on Instagram to congratulate him — notable because the couple usually keep their private life out of the spotlight.
What's Next: A 2027 UK Arena Tour
Blunt will not have long to enjoy the view from the top. He is taking Airplane Mode on a major UK and Ireland arena tour in spring 2027, kicking off at Leeds First Direct Bank Arena on March 26 and running through Birmingham, Newcastle, Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow, Manchester, London's O2 Arena on April 4, Cardiff and Bournemouth before finishing at the Brighton Centre on April 8. Several dates are already showing low availability on Ticketmaster.
For a singer whose last Number 1 came in the era of CD sales and ringtone charts, this comeback proves a great song — and a brilliantly silly bet — can still cut through. Nineteen years on, James Blunt is Number 1 again. Or should that be Ryan Air?
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FAQs
When did James Blunt last top the UK Albums Chart before Airplane Mode?
His previous Number 1 album was All the Lost Souls in 2007, so Airplane Mode ends a 19-year gap. His first chart-topper was Back to Bedlam in 2005.
Why is James Blunt changing his name to Ryan Air?
He promised on social media that he would legally change his name to Ryan Air if Airplane Mode reached Number 1. The album did, so the name change is now on — though it is yet to be made official by deed poll.
How did The Celebrity Traitors help James Blunt's album?
Blunt reached the final three on season two of the BBC show, which aired just before the album's release and introduced him to a huge new audience. His wife Sofia Wellesley signed him up for the show.
When is James Blunt touring in 2027?
His UK and Ireland arena tour runs from March 26 to April 8, 2027, including London's O2 Arena on April 4 and finishing at the Brighton Centre.
Sources: Official Charts Company, Billboard, Parade, Ticketmaster UK, Radio NewsHub.