Ed Sheeran says he is "absolutely gutted" his "amazing friend" Shane Warne has passed away, aged 52.
News broke of the Australian cricket legend's death today, when it was reported Shane had died from a suspected heart attack.
Shape of You Star Ed, 31 said he had spoken to the sports star only this week to mark the anniversary of music mogul Michael Gudinski, who died in March last year.
Sharing a photo of Shane and Michael together on Instagram, Ed wrote: “The world keeps taking incredible people away.
“I spoke to Shane on the anniversary of Michael’s passing this week saying we were both raising a glass of 707 in his honour, and now this news comes out.
“Shane was the kindest heart, and always went above and beyond to make people feel welcome and special. Such a gentleman.
“He gave so many hours and years of his life to bring joy to others, and was such an amazing friend to me. Il bloody miss you mate. Absolutely gutted.”
Ed met Shane after the singer had been to a Kylie Minogue gig in 2014.
Speaking on Australian TV show The Project, Ed previously revealed: "I have three phones and he [Shane] texts all three of them.’
"We were out, we went to the Kylie gig and then ended up out with Shane Warne."
The pair also posed together for a photo in the same year they met, which Ed captioned on his Instagram: "Trying to perfect my spin bowling technique".
When asked about his friendship with the sports star, the singer said: "I really like him, he's a hero."
It's been a tough couple of weeks for the award-winning star, who also lost his friend Jamal Edwards last month.
The 31-year-old founder of online urban music platform SBTV - which helped artists including Ed and Jessie J find their way to fame, died on February 22.
The Shivers singer, who has since become one of the world's best-selling musicians, shared a photo of himself and Jamal, who is the son of Loose Women's Brenda Edwards, along with an emotional message.
He wrote: "Jamal is my brother. His light shone so bright.
"He only used it to illuminate others and never asked for anything in return.
"A star's light shines for millions of years after they go, and his will continue to light up every dark moment, we are all witnessing his power.
"I would not be here without him, professionally and personally.
"There will never be anything close to what he is, but I'm so grateful to have existed within his orbit. My brother, come on."
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@mirror.co.uk or call us direct 0207 29 33033.
