U.K. MIDWEEKS: JAMES ARTHUR'S COMEBACK

Now this is a comeback. James Arthur, who recently re-signed to Simon Cowell’s SYCO, has rocketed 23 places to #2 on the U.K. Singles Chart at midweek stage with his first new music in over two years, “Say You Won’t Let Go.” Could it reach #1 before week’s end?

The Chainsmokers f/Halsey’s “Closer” (RCA) is still a substantial 10k combined sales ahead so it’s not looking likely.

The last track to climb so high so fast was Major Lazer’s “Cold Water” (Because Music) in early August. The track rocketed to #1 and stayed there for five weeks. After declining to #3 it looks set to end this week at #4. In its place is DJ Snake and Bieber’s “Let Me Love You” (Polydor) at #3.

New at #5 is Calvin Harris with “My Way” (Columbia). Further down, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj’s “Side To Side” climbs one place to #7, Ellie Goulding's “Still Falling For You” (Polydor) gains ground from #21 to #11, and Olly Murs’ “You Don't Know Love” (RCA) is up five places to #13. Emeli Sande's first single in over two years, “Hurts” (Virgin EMI), starts at #18.

Over on the Official Albums Chart at midweek stage, Bastille could hold on to their #1 spot for a second week with Wild World (Virgin EMI). Nearest challenger is Led Zeppelin’s Complete BBC Sessions (Rhino). The remaining Top 5 consists of The Beatles' Live at the Hollywood Bowl (Apple Corps) at #3, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds' 16th studio album, Skeleton Tree (Kobalt), down two places to #4, and country duo Ward Thomas’ Cartwheels (Sony CMG), staying at #5.

After winning the Mercury Music Prize last week, Skepta’s Konnichiwa surges 44 places to #9 thanks to a 50% combined sales uplift.

Elsewhere, Usher is on course to notch up his sixth U.K. Top 10 album with Hard II Love (RCA) currently at #6, and British folk singer Seth Lakeman is behind at #7 with Ballads Of The Broken Few (Cooking Vinyl).