Jackson holds La Roux off albums top spot

Michael Jackson has prevented La Roux from debuting at number one on the UK album charts.

The late singer's 2005 hits compilation, The Essential, climbs to the top spot this week, forcing the electropop duo to settle for second place with their self-titled debut.

The Essential is one of five Jackson albums in this week's top ten, with Number Ones landing at three, King Of Pop at five, Thriller at six and Off The Wall at ten.

Meanwhile, there are 27 Jackson tracks in this week's top 75 singles, led by 'Man In The Mirror' at two.

Jackson's total record sales over the last seven days amount to nearly 600,000 singles and albums, the Official Chart Company revealed.

The top ten albums in full (click where possible for our reviews):

1. (20) Michael Jackson: 'The Essential'
2. (-) La Roux: 'La Roux'
3. (1) Michael Jackson: 'Number Ones'
4. (2) Kasabian: 'West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum'
5. (14) Lady GaGa: 'The Fame'
6. (7) Michael Jackson: 'Thriller'
7. (3) Paolo Nutini: 'Sunny Side Up'
8. (5) Lady GaGa: 'The Fame'
9. (6) Bruce Springsteen & E St Band: 'Greatest Hits'
10. (17) Michael Jackson: 'Off The Wall'

Source: Official Chart Company

> Click here for this week's top ten singles