Bradley Walsh found it 'hysterical' to be named the UK's most successful debut artist

(Image credit: PA Wire/PA Images)

TV presenter and actor Bradley Walsh 'just laughed' when he was crowned the UK's top debut music artist in 2016

TV star Bradley Walsh has said he found it 'hysterical' to be crowned the UK’s most successful debut artist of 2016.

The comedian and presenter’s first album, Chasing Dreams, outsold records by former One Direction star Zayn Malik, fellow newcomer Jack Garratt, as well as Mercury Prize-winning Skepta and singer-songwriter Tom Odell.

On Monday, the star, 56, was presented with a gold disc in recognition of his achievements.

The Chase's Bradley Walsh — *The Chase’s Bradley Walsh (Philip Toscano/PA)*

The Chase presenter told The Guardian: “I just laughed when I found out.

“I thought it was hysterical. I am probably the oldest new artist Sony has ever signed.

“Niall Horan (Malik’s former 1D bandmate) was sending me messages, laughing his head off. And I got big congratulations from Simon Cowell. He thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Bradley’s collection of his favourite songs, released on Sony at the end of November 2016, was the only debut by a British act to go gold as it sold more than 100,000 copies.

The record includes covers of Frank Sinatra’s Fly Me To The Moon and Barbra Streisand’s What Kind Of Fool.

https://youtu.be/07JAryA6ZJA

In a statement, Bradley said he was 'totally blown away' to have gone gold, adding: “Growing up, I was always in awe of anyone who received a gold disc.”

PA Media is the national news agency for the UK and Ireland. With unrivalled access to the performers, productions and celebrities on both sides of the Atlantic, PA Media stories provide an irresistible glimpse into showbiz news. Bringing you all of entertainment's big moments. From daily soaps to film productions, we cover the shows that audiences want to know about with our previews, news and interviews.