James Blunt’s pledge to change his name was unfortunately too good to be true as his close call with becoming Blunty McBluntface is over.
The You’re Beautiful icon recently made the (unwise) promise to legally change his name to whatever the public wanted if he landed a number-one album.
Of course, the public decided that the moniker should be Blunty McBluntface; a homage to the unforgettable Boaty McBoatface phenomenon of 2016.
If James’ debut album Back to Bedlam reached the top of the charts this week in honour of the record’s 20th anniversary, Blunt would become McBluntface.
He admitted the offer was ‘stupid’, stating ‘people have no imagination’ when the name choice was revealed.
Two decades after its release Back to Bedlam has returned to the official UK top 10 but, thankfully, at number seven.
Official Charts confirmed that the 2004 hit album is back in the top 10 this week, 18 years after its last chart foray.
Back to Bedlam spent 10 non-consecutive weeks in the top 10 and remains one of the best-selling British albums of all time.
The record included songs like High, Wisemen, Goodbye My Lover, and the crown jewel You’re Beautiful which spent five weeks at number one.
In his original announcement advert, James said: ‘My name is James Blunt and you have the power to absolutely f**k my life.’
Poking fun at himself, he added: ‘As a way to give back to you, my adoring public, if Back To Bedlam re-enters the charts at number one, I will legally change my name. What will I change it to? Well, it’s entirely up to you.
‘I’ve been called many things in my life, “the most hated man in pop,” “annoying,” “James Beige,” I’ll let the people decide.’
Speaking about the name change prospect on ITV’s Good Morning Britain he said he pities his family more than himself.
James revealed: ‘I feel it was stupid of me, really, to offer to change my name if you got to number one because of the consequences.’
His wife Sofia said she would change her name back to her maiden name, rather than adopt the boat inspired moniker with her husband.
‘I feel though that the British public, they would have to live with the shame of… going out and buying and owning a James Blunt CD, (it) might be a deterrent enough.’
Instead, Charli XCX’s Brat has finally claimed the top spot as Paul Heaton takes second place and Short n Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter slides into third.
Coldplay’s Moon Magic is in fourth as Chappell Roan’s Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess closes out the top five.
As for Blunty McBluntface — sorry, James. His life is brilliant, of that we’re sure.
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