Once rivals on the ITV talent show the pair teamed up to record a cover version of the Beatles' The Long and Winding Road.

Oasis: Beaten by the Pop Idols

The singers, who have already scored number hits as solo artists, fought off competition from Oasis, who entered the chart at number two with Little by Little, and Avril Lavigne's track Complicated, at number three.

In the album charts, a compilation of hits by Elvis has straight to the top, released a few weeks after the 24th anniversary of his death.

The hit brings more success to Simon Fuller, the creator of Pop Idol, who signed both artists to his label after the ITV programme.

Albums from both singers are to be released in the next few weeks, which could see a return to past rivalries.

Gangsta Lovin, from Eve featuring Alicia Keys, was the only other new entry in the top, entering at number six.