Cilla Black tops the UK Albums Chart with 'The Very Best Of'

Cilla Black’s 'The Very Best Of' has topped this week’s Official Albums Chart following her death earlier this month.

The 'Very Best Of' first re-entered the Top 40 two weeks ago as fans began to pay tribute to showbiz legend who passed away on August 1; and following the star’s funeral yesterday, has climbed a further seven places this week to land the top spot.

The accolade marks both a new peak for 'The Very Best Of', as well as Cilla’s first ever Official Albums Chart Number 1.

Dan Chalmers, President, Rhino, East West & ADA, UK told OfficialCharts.com that it's a fitting tribute to the late showbiz icon: “This Number 1 is a reflection of the special place Cilla Black occupied in the hearts of the British public and a fitting tribute to an icon who shaped popular music and entertainment. Cilla had an extraordinary and unforgettable voice and her timeless music will inspire fans and musicians for generations to come.”

Elsewhere on the UK Top 40 Albums Chart, James Bay’s 'Chaos And The Calm' climbs five places to No.2 this week, earning its highest position in over four months, while Bullet For My Valentine score this week’s highest new entry with their fifth studio album 'Venom', which finishes the week at 3.

Rock group Neck Deep make their Official Chart debut today with second studio album 'Life’s Not Out To Get You' at No.8, and Gallows and Pure Love frontman Frank Carter returns to the Official Charts with new outfit Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes’ whose debut – 'Blossom' – lands at No.18 today (August 21).

Watch Paul O'Grady giving a speech at Cilla Black's funeral here: