Adele - Adele Surpasses Michael Jackson On U.k.'S All-time Album Sales List

The London-born singer's second album 21 has rocketed into fifth place on the countdown after selling a total of 4,274,300 copies in Britain.

The multiple Grammy-winning record has shifted an average of 20,000 copies every week for the last month, pushing Jackson's 1982 classic into sixth place.

Martin Talbot, from the Official Charts Company, says, "To add to her many landmark records, Adele's achievement in overtaking Thriller in the all-time sales list is truly remarkable.

"Thriller has long been recognised as one of the most iconic albums of all-time. There is now no doubt that 21 can be spoken of in the same breath."

The top five best-selling albums are:

1. Greatest Hits - Queen

2. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - The Beatles

3. Gold: Greatest Hits - Abba

4. (What's The Story) Morning Glory? - Oasis

5. 21 - Adele.