Ed Sheeran tests positive for Covid-19 a week before album release- but will gig from home

Ed Sheeran says he is self-isolating after testing positive for Covid-19. Credit: PA

Ed Sheeran says he is self-isolating after testing positive for Covid-19 less than a week before the release of his forthcoming fifth album.

The singer-songwriter, 30, said in a statement posted on Instagram that he still intends to give his planned interviews and performances from his home.

Sheeran, who lives near Framlingham in Suffolk, said: “Hey guys. Quick note to tell you that I’ve sadly tested positive for Covid, so I’m now self-isolating and following government guidelines.

“It means that I’m now unable to plough ahead with any in-person commitments for now, so I’ll be doing as many of my planned interviews/performances I can from my house.

“Apologies to anyone I’ve let down. Be safe everyone,” the statement added.

Ed Sheeran performing during the first Earthshot Prize awards Credit: Yui Mok/PA

Last week, Sheeran performed in London as part of the inaugural Earthshot Prize awards, hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Next week, he is due to join Apple Music’s Zane Lowe live to play new songs from his album and take questions from fans.

The new album, = or Equals, is the latest instalment in his symbol series and due for release on Friday October 29.

The singer shot to fame in 2011 with the launch of his chart-topping single The A Team, the lead song on his first album, which was released in September that year.

He had previously been taking a break from music after his wife, Cherry Seaborn, gave birth to their daughter, Lyra Antarctica Seaborn Sheeran, in August 2020.

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