David Bowie today secured his first No 1 album in 20 years – and the accolade of fastest-selling record of the year.

The Next Day, the musician’s 27th studio album, became his first chart-topper since Black Tie White Noise in 1993, having sold 94,000 copies since its release on 8 March.

The news coincided with revelations by the organiser of the London 2012 opening ceremony, Danny Boyle, about the extent of the efforts he made to secure the star for his four-hour extravaganza.

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In a new authorised biography Danny Boyle: Creating Wonder, the director recalls how he flew to New York to try to woo the “titan” of a musician, but to no avail. The 56-year-old added he was “incredibly nervous meeting Bowie. Far more nervous than meeting her Majesty the Queen.”

On his 66th birthday earlier this year, Bowie – said to have been dogged by health problems – shocked fans when he announced his comeback album. Despite claims by Bowie that he would not perform live, his wife Iman made strong hints last week that the Brixton-born artist may well tour this year.