Ed Sheeran hires bodyguard

Ed Sheeran has hired his first bodyguard.

The 'Sing' hitmaker - who recently confirmed he had split from his long-term girlfriend Athina Andrelos last month - has been forced to up his security team to keep female fans at bay as they desperately try to get his attention following his revelation to Australian radio station KIIS 1065 last week.

Ed told The Sun newspaper: "I've been given a security guard, for the first time in four years.

"It started getting a little bit grabby. I don't mind if people ask politely but if someone grabs you and pulls you..."

However, it appears the 24-year-old singer could already be off the market after he was spotted hanging out with Victoria's Secret model Barbara Palvin in Sydney just hours after confirming the end of his relationship.

Ed and Barbara, 21 - who counts Leonardo DiCaprio, Justin Bieber and Niall Horan among her former love interests - enjoyed a date at a burger bar where sources claim there was "definitely a spark" between the pair.

The insider said: "Ed and Barbara looked relaxed and happy. They seemed to be enjoying each other's company and having a laugh. There was definitely a spark."