Zayn scores No.1 album

Zayn Malik proves he doesn’t need his 1D bandmates to top the charts.

The former One Direction star’s debut album Mind of Mine has gone straight in at No.1 on this week’s Official Chart.

“I want to thank all the fans and my team at RCA and First Access Entertainment for everything they have done to help me start my journey as a solo artist,” Zayn told Official Charts.

“It really is the beginning. I can’t believe that I have managed to achieve this as a solo artist.

“I am very proud coming from Bradford achieving this in my home country. It’s mind-blowing to me.

“I don’t take the support I have received for granted. My life at 23 could have been very different.”

Zayn managed to score the chart feat by outselling his nearest rival – Adele’s25 – by 4,000 combined sales.

Joe Bonamassa is a new entry at three with Blues of Desperation, while Birdy lands at four with her new collection Beautiful Lies.

Justin Bieber is at five with Purpose, logging an impressive 20th consecutive week within the Top 5.

Elsewhere, Years & Years jump back up to 11 with their debut albumCommunion, while British metal band Asking Alexandria achieve a career chart best with The Black at number 15.