X Factor James Arthur’s single rockets to the top of the charts

X Factor winner James Arthur proved nothing is impossible when his debut single rocketed to the top of the charts.

Impossible became the fastest-selling single of the year so far, with 490,000 copies, according to the Official Chart Company.

Arthur said: “To everyone from home and around Britain who bought the single, thank you very, very much. You’ve made my dreams come true.”

It remains to be seen whether the new entry can hold on to the top spot for a second week and become Christmas number one next Sunday.

A version of the Hollies’ hit, He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother, by The Justice Collective in aid of the families of Liverpool supporters killed in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, is favourite to be the festive chart-topper.

Arthur’s single topped the chart despite yesterday’s X Factor final pulling in two million fewer viewers than last year.