Sam Smith named only artist in the world to sell one million albums in UK and US this year

In The Lonely Hour has proved a huge hit on both sides of the Atlantic

Sam Smith's In The Lonely Hour has sold more than one million copies in both the UK and the US (Official Charts Company)

Sam Smith has been named the only artist in the world to sell a million albums in both the UK and US this year.

The 22-year-old singer’s debut album, In The Lonely Hour, had reached the impressive landmark here by midnight last night, just 24 hours after doing so state-side.

Smith’s record is the second album to hit one million sales in the UK in 2014, after Ed Sheeran’s X did so last month.

“Officially sold one million copies of In The Lonely Hour! To say I am ecstatic is a huge understatement,” he told OfficialCharts.com.

“Thank you so much to every single person who has purchased my album.”

Martin Talbot, chief executive of the Official Charts Company, extended “many festive congratulations” to Smith.

“To hit a million anywhere is impressive but to become the only artist in the world to do so on both sides of the Atlantic is quite remarkable.

“His journey in 2014, from unknown newcomer winning the Brit Awards Critics’ Choice award to internationally renowned double million-seller, has been incredible.”

Smith’s album became the fastest-selling debut of the year in the UK when it shot straight to number one in May with first week sales of 102,000.

Since its release, In The Lonely Hour has spent just one week outside the Top 5 on the Official Albums Chart.