Prince set for posthumous double No 1 in UK charts

Prince looks set to take the No 1 spots in both the single and album charts after his unexpected death at age 57 this week, according to early charts data.

Fans have propelled the flamboyant singer's best-known works back up the to the top of the charts amid an outpouring of grief.

Prince's 1984 anthem Purple Rain is currently on course to take the No1 single this week, according to the first day of data from the Official Charts Company.

If it reaches the top spot, it will be only the second time Prince has scored a No 1 UK single - and would set a new record for the song, which only reached No 8 when it first came out.

Purple Rain is closely followed by the singer's hits When Doves Cry, Kiss, and 1999, all of which look likely to finish in the top five.

The only artist holding their own against Prince is Drake, whose One Dance ft. Wizkid & Kyla is currently in position number three.

Prince has also dominated the album chart, with his The Very Best Of looking likely to take the No 1 spot, and other four albums of his works also in the top ten.

The predictions are based on the first 24 hours' data for the new chart week.