James Blunt unveils ‘new driving licence’ after promising to change name if album got to number one

'Goodbye my name, goodbye my friend' is what fans were hoping James Blunt would be singing after making a crazy bet with his listeners.

The 'You're Beautiful' singer told his supporters that if they really want to 'ruin his life', then tthey should make his 2004 debut album 'Back to Bedlam' go to number one ahead of the release of its 20th anniversary edition.

In exchange, he promised to 'legally change' his name to the most-liked comment.

Take a look below:

Taking to social media, the 50-year-old shared a video of what the stipulations were.

"My name is James Blunt, and you have the power to absolutely f**k my life," he began.

"I know you've heard the rumours and they're true. I'm re releasing my debut album, 'Back to Bedlam' on October the 11th, something that has kept me consistently rich for the past 20 years.

"So as a way to give back to you, my adoring public, if 'Back to Bedlam' re-enters the charts at number one, I will legally change my name.

"What will I change it to? Well, that's entirely up to you.

James Blunt's fans called his antics 'brave' (Luke Brennan/Getty Images)

"I've been called many things in my life, most hated man in pop, annoying, James beige.

"I'll let the people decide. But if it doesn't go to number one, I'm not changing my name.

"It's safe to say this is the most important democratic moment of the year."

So, after many of his fans expressed their favourite name change, it came as a shock when a former Premier League footballer was the top choice.

Ex-Liverpool forward Divock Origi, considered a legend at the club for his antics against Barcelona, was the most liked name and Blunt had to wait a month for the chat data rolled in.

This morning (5 November), the wait was finally over after the singer shared a fake driving license with 'Divock Origi' written on it.

The 'You're Beautiful' singer told fans he would change his name if they could get his debut studio album to number one (X/@JamesBlunt)

Sadly, his 24th anniversary album fell a little short of number one, as he wrote: A belated 'Thank You' to everyone who helped get Back To Bedlam to No. 7 in the charts.

"It’s an amazing result after 20 years. I’m glad I didn’t have to change my name - looks like you’ll all have to put up with 'James Blunt' for another few decades."

Commenting on the post, one fan joked: "Now go and score a last minute winner against Everton!"

Another pointed out how the 'marketing campaign' was a stroke of genius, writing: "The beauty of a campaign that works.

"I wonder how brave other artists would be to do this."

And for anyone wondering, Origi, 29, moved to AC Milan in 2022 and after a disappointing loan spell at Nottingham Forrest, he went back to train with the Italian giants.

He is now listed in the Milan Futuro squad and is no longer involved in first-team duties.