Queen becomes first act to sell six million albums in UK

Queen has become the first act to sell six million copies of an album in the UK. Credit: PA Wire

Queen has become the first act to sell six million copies of an album in the UK - three decades after it was released.

It is now estimated that one in four homes in the UK own the band's Greatest Hits album, which was released in 1981 and has continued to rack up strong sales ever since.

The Official Charts Company, which has announced the milestone, said that as well as sales on physical formats, the album, which includes hits such as Bohemian Rhapsody and Another One Bites The Dust, has also been downloaded 124,000 times in the UK.

Guitarist Brian May said the figure was "incredible". In a video message for OfficialCharts.com, he said: "I just want to say thanks to everyone who has supported us through the years, we hope to continue to serve you."

Queen's Greatest Hits II album released in October 1991, a month before the death of singer Freddie Mercury - is the tenth biggest seller of all time in the UK with 3.9 million sales.

All time top five best-selling albums in the UK:

1 Greatest Hits - Queen (6m)

2 Gold - Abba (5.1m)

3 Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - The Beatles (5.1m)

4 21 - Adele (4.7m)

5 (What's The Story) Morning Glory? - Oasis (4.6m)