David Bowie is set to land his tenth No.1 album in the UK on Friday (January 15), just days after passing away.

The iconic musician died on Sunday (January 10) aged 69 after a 18-month battle with cancer.

His death came just days after he released his 25th album 'Blackstar'.

The Official Charts Company have confirmed today (January 11) that the record is comfortably placed at No.1 on their midweek update.

It has sold 43,000 units so far - 25,000 more than its nearest competitor, Elvis Presley’s 'If I Can Dream'.

Official Charts Company chief executive Martin Talbot commented: “Today is an awful day for all lovers of music. And the fact that David Bowie’s new album Blackstar was on course for Number 1 this week, even before today's terrible news says everything about his continuing relevance – over 40 years since his first hit records.

"But we are expecting a huge surge for a wide range of Bowie albums in this week’s Official Albums Chart. Bowie made so many great albums, constantly reinventing himself, that everyone has their own favourites and fans are clearly reminding themselves of his massive contribution to popular music by buying these great, iconic works.”

At No.3 on the midweek update is previous No.1, Adele's '25'.

Justin Bieber's 'Purpose' is in at No.4, with James Bay's 'Chaos And The Calm' completing the top five.

Amy Winehouse’s 'Back To Black' is a big riser this week following the network premiere of the biopic Amy on Channel 4 on Friday (January 8).

It rises from No.23 to No.14, with her 2003 debut 'Frank' at No.38.

The Voice winner Stevie McCrorie is No.22 with his maiden effort 'Big World'.

Follow us: @Pressparty on Twitter / Pressparty on Facebook.