Zayn scores fastest-selling single of 2016 with solo release

LONDON, Feb 5 (Reuters) - The debut solo of former One Direction singer Zayn shot straight to the top of the British charts on Friday as the fastest-selling single of 2016 so far, while David Bowie continued to dominate the albums.

Zayn's "Pillowtalk" notched up combined sales of 112,000 with 4.97 million streams, according to the Official Charts Company.

Zayn Malik left One Direction last March after five years with the hugely successful boyband that was first discovered on ITV (LSE: ITV.L - news) television talent show "X Factor."

Pillowtalk held off competition from Jonas Blue's "Fast Car" in second spot while last week's number one "Stitches" by Shawn Mendes fell to third place.

Bowie has dominated the British album charts since his death in January and claimed top spot for the fourth week as the "Best (LSE: 0M1A.L - news) of Bowie" compilation - originally released in 2002 - replaced his final album "Blackstar."

Bowie has become the first act to knock himself off the top of the Official Albums Chart in nearly six years, since Michael Jackson achieved the feat following his death in 2009.

Third place went to "This is Acting," the seventh studio album by Australian singer-songwriter Sia.

Rihanna's long-awaited eighth studio album "Anti" came in at number 7. (Reporting by Stephen Addison; editing by Costas Pitas)