Fresh from securing the first UK number one single of 2026, singer-songwriter Raye has been spotted hard at work on her next project. The 28-year-old artist was reportedly seen filming a top-secret music video on a closed street in Walthamstow, London, on Monday.
A Chilly and Curious Shoot in Walthamstow
Despite the cold weather, Raye was seen dancing and singing in a velvet dress on set, described by an onlooker as acting "like a total pro." The unusual shoot featured a fake zebra crossing painted on the road, which the singer was seen skipping over. The production caused a stir amongst local residents, who had only been notified of a street closure for filming, with no hint of the star involved.
Excited locals peered through their windows, and even the postman was said to have stopped in his tracks at the unexpected sight. A source told The Sun: "While most people stayed at home because the weather was so cold, Raye was a total trooper and got to work on a big, top-secret new video." The project was shrouded in complete secrecy, leaving the community pleasantly surprised.
Riding High on a Chart Triumph
This new activity comes hot on the heels of a major career milestone for Raye. Her single, 'Where Is My Husband', has officially reached number one on the UK singles chart. This marks the first chart-topper of 2026 and represents a significant moment for the artist after the track spent a 15-week climb to the peak position.
Raye celebrated the achievement in dramatic style at home, sharing images on Instagram of herself clutching the shiny trophy while wearing a glamorous grey feathered gown. The track, which is set to feature on her forthcoming 2026 studio album, also becomes her 20th Top 40 single in a career spanning over a decade.
A Hard-Won Journey to the Top
Raye's current success story is one of resilience and creative independence. Born Rachel Agatha Keen, she initially faced years of frustration after signing with a major label, Polydor, where album releases were repeatedly delayed or shelved. After breaking away, she rebuilt her career on her own terms, partnering with the independent distribution label Human Re Sources.
This pivotal move gave her full creative control, leading to critical acclaim for her debut album '21st Century Blues', record-breaking Brit Award wins, and now a triumphant return to the summit of the charts. Reflecting on her past struggles in an interview with Louis Theroux, Raye stated her ultimate goal was "to be a person who's in control of my life." Her latest secretive video shoot in a London street is a clear sign she is firmly in that driving seat, wasting no time in capitalising on her hard-earned success.
