James Blunt has changed his name to Ryan Air after a bet with an X user over his latest album, which has reached number one in the UK charts.
The singer, known for his hit You're Beautiful, released his album Airplane Mode last week. According to the Official Charts, it has topped the album chart, marking his third number one album. As part of the deal, he will now be known as Ryan Air.
The Bet with JoeBangles11
The name change follows a conversation with X user JoeBangles11, who had been asking Blunt about his favourite cheese. JoeBangles11 offered: "Final offer…. If you tell me your favourite cheese, I’ll donate £1000 to a charity or your choice." He added: "Bonus offer. If your album goes to number one, I’ll legally change my name to James Blunt."
Blunt replied: "Hold on. If my album goes to No.1 tomorrow, all I have to do is tell you my favourite cheese, and you’ll give £1000 to a charity of my choice and legally change your name to James Blunt?" He then said: "Deal. People – let’s get to work," before sharing a link to the album.
JoeBangles11 responded: "So, tomorrow, James Blunt will have his third UK number 1 album and change his name to Ryan Air. I will find out his favourite cheese, donate £1k to a charity of his choice and change my name to James Blunt. A Freaky Friday 13th I won’t forget in a hurry!"
Cheese Reveal and Charity Donation
After the number one was confirmed, Blunt said: "Hi Joe, I have bad news." He announced his chosen charity for the £1000 donation would be The Blue Marine Foundation and revealed his favourite cheese is Delice de Bourgogne, a triple cream French cheese made from cow's milk, with a mild or slightly acidic taste. It is sometimes nicknamed divorce cheese or the cheese of love.
Blunt continued: "I’m Number 1 in the album charts. And you’re no longer called Joe. Much love, Ryan Air."
JoeBangles11, now known as James Blunt, headed to his local M&S to buy a wheel of his "new favourite cheese". He said: "Hi Ryan, It has been such fun. Appreciate you humouring me along the way and I can hang up my celeb cheese fact finding gloves and tuck into my new favourite cheese. Enjoy your number 1, it’s an amazing album and you deserve it! Much Love, James Blunt CBE."
Wife's Reaction and Chart Success
The name change is yet to be made official by deed poll. Blunt's wife, Sofia Blunt, wrote on Instagram: "Number 1 🏆 🙌🏻. So proud of you. I’m not changing my name though."
Of his third number one and ninth top 10 album, Blunt told Official Charts: "I can’t tell you how grateful I am to every single person who has gone out there and downloaded, or bought, or streamed my album. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much!"
The album beat Royal Blood's Dead Company, which landed in second, and Olivia Rodrigo's You Look Pretty Sad For A Girl So In Love, which held third place.
