He's taken an extended career break in the not-too-distant past, but Ed Sheeran may do the same in the not-too-distant future too - and for longer than most fans would like.

A 'source' has planted the idea of Sheeran going AWOL after he's finished touring 'Divide' - which will take another couple of years at least - to lead a 'normal life'. The singer had previously mentioned his desire to step back from music if or when he gets married and has kids.

The source told the Daily Star: "Ed has pretty much achieved everything there is to achieve in music. He absolutely loves what he does and is riding the wave of his success at the moment, but at the same time he wants a more normal life.

"When or if he gets married he wants to put his wife and kids first and not his career. If that means going AWOL for years then so be it.”

Other rumours (at the moment completely unsubstantiated) emerged in recent days about the possibilty of Sheeran playing three nights at Croke Park in 2018 - but we'll have a while to wait to hear if they're true. He last played two nights at the venue in July 2015.