The winner of 2012's X Factor UK, James Arthur, has shot straight in at No.1 during today's (December 12) midweek singles chart update.

His offering, 'Impossible', has been named the year's fastest selling single so far and according to the Official Charts Company it has shifted an incredible 255,000 copies so far. 2012’s previous biggest one-week total was held by Cheryl Cole with 'Call My Name', which sold 152,000 copies back in June although Arthur has comfortably surpassed her.

Will.i.Am's new single, 'Scream & Shout', which is a collaboration with Britney Spears is right behind at No.2 this afternoon and Rihanna has a new entry at No.8 with 'Stay'.

Elsewhere in the UK Top 40, festive classics have been making appearances with Slade's 'Merry Xmas Everybody' at 39, Band Aid's 'Do They Know It's Christmas' at 40, and Wizzard's 'I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday' at 32.

One Direction's 'Kiss You' has re-entered at No.10, their other single 'Little Things' is down 3 positions to No.9, and Ed Sheeran's 'Give Me Love' has dropped 11 places to No.38.

Watch Arthur perform 'Impossible' during The X Factor's live final below: