After a year's hiatus from social media, singer Ed Sheeran has rung in the new year with a video message on Twitter – that a new album is on the way.
His sign-delivered message to fans could be seen as an ode to Love Actually after he announced on December 13, 2015 via Instagram that he needed to take a break from his phone, email and social media; in a "it's not you, it's me" kind of a message.
More Entertainment News Videos
- Video duration
- 01:35
Artists and their 2017 albums
Artists and their 2017 albums
With 2017 fast approaching, James Blunt has confirmed an album, Lupe Fiasco has canned three, and Ed Sheeran keeps fans guessing.
Up Next
Casey Affleck's revenge speech
- Video duration
- 01:00
- Video duration
- 01:00
Casey Affleck's revenge speech
Casey Affleck's revenge speech
Dishing it to his critics, Casey Affleck accepts the award for Best Actor at the New York Film Critic's Circle Awards.
Up Next
Trailer: Trollhunters
- Video duration
- 01:56
- Video duration
- 01:56
Trailer: Trollhunters
Trailer: Trollhunters
Based on a book by del Toro, Trollhunters tells the story of friends who unearth a mystery underneath their hometown.
Up Next
Janet Jackson gives birth at 50
- Video duration
- 00:46
- Video duration
- 00:46
Janet Jackson gives birth at 50
Janet Jackson gives birth at 50
Rhythm Nation singer Janet Jackson announces the birth of her first child.
Up Next
Kim Kardashian returns to social media
- Video duration
- 00:54
- Video duration
- 00:54
Kim Kardashian returns to social media
Kim Kardashian returns to social media
After a three month hiatus, Kim Kardashian West takes to social media to post family-oriented material.
Up Next
Awkward New Year's countdown goes viral
- Video duration
- 00:32
- Video duration
- 00:32
Awkward New Year's countdown goes viral
Awkward New Year's countdown goes viral
Network Ten's The Loop receives a full-blown roasting for its awkward New Year's countdown.
Up Next
Singer banned from Ellen after homophobic sermon
- Video duration
- 01:26
- Video duration
- 01:26
Singer banned from Ellen after homophobic ...
Singer banned from Ellen after homophobic sermon
Grammy-nominated gospel singer Kim Burrell is pulled from a scheduled appearance on Ellen after a video of her delivering an anti-gay sermon goes viral.
Up Next
Ryan Gosling pays tribute to Debbie Reynolds
- Video duration
- 00:33
- Video duration
- 00:33
Ryan Gosling pays tribute to Debbie ...
Ryan Gosling pays tribute to Debbie Reynolds
Saying Debbie Reynolds inspired the "La La Land" cast, Ryan Gosling accepts an award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.
Artists and their 2017 albums
With 2017 fast approaching, James Blunt has confirmed an album, Lupe Fiasco has canned three, and Ed Sheeran keeps fans guessing.
He explained, at the time, that after five years of travel and work he needed to see the world not through a screen but his own eyes.
"To my family and friends, if you love me you will understand me buggering off for a bit, to my fans, the 3rd album is on its way and is the best thing I have made thus far. See you all next autumn, and thank you for being amazing. Ed x."
Only the third album announcement has come during England's winter (Australia's summer) – with the yet-unnamed album due out this Friday.
Hello 2017... pic.twitter.com/1UyjpgoFbo
— Ed Sheeran (@edsheeran) January 1, 2017
His album will be among 2017's music highlights, which include Adele's upcoming Australian tour and Lorde's highly anticipated new album.
His last album X (pronounced "multiply") in 2014 ranked No.1 in 15 countries, including the United States, and went on to become a best seller in Australia.
6th January 5am GMT | midnight ET x pic.twitter.com/azkW2x2OBE
— Ed Sheeran (@edsheeran) January 2, 2017
And while Sheeran may have been trying to avoid the social spotlight in 2016, it still sought him out in late November when he nearly got carved up by Princess Beatrice during a mock knighting ceremony of fellow singer James Blunt.
Sheeran accidentally suffered a cut below his right eye from the sword being wielded by Prince Andrew's 28-year-old daughter during a party at his royal home in Windsor.
"Everyone was totally shocked and apparently Beatrice was very upset. But Ed was the perfect gentleman and told her it was just an accident," Britain's Independent newspaper reported at the time.
After a visit to a hospital with girlfriend Cherry Seaborn, he reportedly partied on.
He also wasn't completely absent from the screen, with his surprise cameo in September's box-office hit Bridget Jones's Baby. Although, admittedly, it was filmed before the end of 2015.