Ed Sheeran reveals Covid diagnosis days before new album release

Ed Sheeran’s shock Covid diagnosis comes just days after the singer was pictured mingling with members of the royal family without a mask.

Ed Sheeran’s COVID-19 diagnosis comes just days after the singer mingled with the royal family while not wearing a mask.

The singer – who was scheduled to appear on Saturday Night Live’s November 6 show – announced via Instagram on Sunday that he tested positive for the coronavirus. Now, SNL producers are “scrambling” to find a replacement.

Last week, Sheeran rubbed shoulders with Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge at an awards ceremony.

Sheeran performed at the inaugural Earthshot Prize Awards in London on October 17th, and was pictured chatting with the royals and Harry Potter star Emma Watson at the event.

Ed Sheeran was pictured mingling with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge before the ceremony at Alexandra Palace. Picture: Alberto Pezzali / POOL / AFP.

A source tells Page Six that Sheeran, 30, will not be allowed into the US with a positive COVID-19 test. SNL producers are looking to replace him with “another singer who appeals to the same demo,” the source says, someone like Shawn Mendes or Justin Bieber.

According to the insider, there’s also a chance SNL could let Sheeran perform remotely, though that has yet to be decided.

The diagnosis has scuppered promo plans for Sheeran’s new album, out this Friday. Picture: Marc Piasecki/Getty

“Ed is offering to perform live via video link, but this isn’t something SNL does,” the source told us. “The show likes to have the performer in studio.”

A representative for Sheeran did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment.

Earlier Sunday, Sheeran broke the news of his diagnosis to his fans on Instagram, writing, “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.”

He continued, “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,” he explained. “Apologies to anyone I’ve let down. Be safe everyone x.”

Sheeran plans to continue his publicity commitments from home. Picture: Supplied/Warner Music

Sheeran’s fourth studio album, = (pronounced “Equals”), is still expected for release on October 29.

Back in June, Sheeran gushed about how his creative process has changed since becoming a father. The Perfect singer and his wife, Cherry Seaborn, welcomed their first child together – daughter Lyra – in August 2020.

“I’m very structured with my day now so like usually if I was in the studio I would just kind of work until it was done,” he said at the time. “I feel like with a kid you need a structured workday. You can’t be working until 2 o’clock in the morning.”

Of learning how to successfully parent, Sheeran added, “No parent knows what they’re doing.”

This story originally appeared on Page Six and is republished here with permission.