Good news for Sam Smith and his fans – he has been confirmed as the only artist to sell one million albums on both sides of the Atlantic.

According to the Official Charts Company, the openly gay singer has become the only artist to manage the triumph, which was not expected to be reached by anyone this year. It was confirmed as million-selling in the UK over the last 24 hours, just a day after the same numbers were confirmed in the US. This happens just as Christmas approaches – with some 35% of album sales happening in the lead up to Christmas.

Smith told OfficialCharts.com: “OFFICIALLY sold 1 MILLION copies of In The Lonely Hour! To say I am ecstatic is a huge understatement. Thank you so much to every single person who has purchased my album.”

Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift and the Frozen soundtrack also reached the million-selling mark, but not in both markets.

His debut album, In The Lonely Hour, was written about Smith’s last love and it has proved popular with fans.

Sam Smith came out this year, before promoting his album, so those buying the music would not think it was a publicity stunt. It didn’t seem to harm his success…

“It’s proving to be another amazing year for British artists, who are not only dominating the charts at home but continue to fly the flag for British music around the world,” the BPI’s Gennaro Castaldo said of Smith’s success.

“Like Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith is enjoying an absolutely stellar year, but to sell a million copies of his debut album in the UK and, remarkably, the US within the same 12 month period that he collected his Brit award is a truly outstanding achievement.”

Like a male version of Adele, Sam Smith’s tales of heartbreak and pain have proved a universal message and universally appreciated.

Earlier this month, he released his utterly depressing version of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, so if that’s what you’re into, listen here.