Ed Sheeran's reign over the UK charts continues as his second studio album 'X' secures the top spot for the sixth straight week, and has now become the longest-running consecutive No.1 album for a solo British male since James Blunt's 8-week run with 'Back To Bedlum back in 2005.

Ed Sheeran
Sheeran's 'X' has been No.1 on the UK album charts for six straight weeks

Upon hearing the news the English singer/songwriter took to Twitter to express his surprise at the record's success. "'X' is #1 for the 6th week in a row in the UK. bloody mental," he wrote.

More: BBC Defends Decision To Name Ed Sheeran Most Influential Artist In Black and Urban Music

To earn the top spot, 'X' outsold its closest competitor, Dolly Parton's 'Blue Smoke - The Best O,' which remains in second place. Coming in third was Eric Clapton's newly released 'Eric Clapton & Friends - The Breeze,' which is a tribute to late singer JJ Cale, the Official Charts Company notes. 

Sam Smith still holds onto a high spot in the album charts as his debut album 'In The Lonely Hour' finished this week in fourth position, and rounding off the top five George Ezra's 'Wanted On Voyage.'

More: A Successful Experiment: Ed Sheeran's "X" Becomes Fastest Selling Album In The UK

Below is the UK's official top ten albums:

1. 'X' - Ed Sheeran

2. 'Blue Smoke - The Best Of' - Dolly Parton

3. 'Eric Clapton & Friends - Eric Clapton

4. 'in The Lonely Hour' - Sam Smith

5. 'Wanted On Voyage'- George Ezra

6. 'Ghost Stories'- Coldplay

7. 'Hypnotic Eye' - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

8. 'Welcome To The Jungle' - Neon Animals

9. 'Nothing But The Beat' - David Guetta

10. 'Caustic Love' - Paolo Nutini