Queen closer to King as UK chart-toppers

Published on 10/12/2005 01:36

ELVIS Presley remains the King - but Queen have overtaken The Beatles to become the third most successful act of all time.

Elvis has spent 2,574 weeks in the UK singles and album charts, making him number one in the top 100 most successful acts of all time. Sir Cliff Richard remains in second place, clinching 1,982 weeks.

But this year's chart, taking account of sales in 2005, shows that Queen have now overtaken The Beatles to make it into third place, with 1,755 weeks.

The Beatles have slipped to fourth place, with 1,749 weeks spent in the British singles and album charts.

With 1,660 weeks, Madonna remains one place above Sir Elton John (1,626), but she is steadily closing the gap with The Beatles. If the queen of pop continues producing music at the same rate, she is predicted to overtake the Fab Four in around two years.

Oasis have risen three places to overtake Status Quo and make it to 25th position.

Kylie Minogue makes the biggest jump - up 13 places to number 42, with 692 weeks. The Stereophonics are the highest- climbing group in the top 100 - up 13 to 71.

Eminem is the highest new entry at number 86, while Britney Spears has broken into the top 100 for the first time. George Benson and Depeche Mode have been booted off the list.