Superstar Ed Sheeran has admitted "turbulent things" have happened in his life, as he posted an unusally personal video on Instagram.
The singer, 31, said he didn't feel like "pretending to be something I'm not", as he explained why he has opted to shun the limelight in recent years, with many of his posts being about upcoming shows.
In the self-filmed clip, Ed told the camera: "I realise I haven't been that engaged in my social media or fanbase over the last couple of years and the things that have been posted on this account might have got a bit boring, I'm sorry, that's my fault.
"The reason I'm making this video, just being totally honest, I've had some turbulent things happening in my personal life so I just didn't really feel like being online and pretending to be something I'm not when I wasn't really feeling like that."
Ed, wearing a white shirt and filming the video outside, went on: "I know that sounds weird, but hence I'm making this video to say things are looking up and I'm back online."
"So you know, weird s**t is gonna start being posted here. I've made this video about 50 f*****g times I'm not making another one!"
The father-of-two took a break from social media in November, after finishing a new music video.
He wrote: "Signing off now until 2023. See you in the new year. Much love, Ed x."
Last February, Ed lost his close friend Jamal Edwards, who died at just 31.
Shortly after Jamal’s death, Ed shared an Instagram post of the younger-looking pair with the caption: “I haven’t posted anything coz I can’t find the words, I can’t reply coz I don’t know what to say.
“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.
Earlier this month, Ed released a track online which held a beautiful tribute to the SBTV founder.
The music video opens with a shaky camera pointing at Sheeran, who is lit up by two spotlights and standing in a circle of lit candles.
Wearing a blue jumper and jeans, the music icon begins to rap: "Yo Jam, this is a letter to you, it's been a while but it's been hard for me to get in the booth.
"Since we last spoke I've become a father of two trying to live life with a smile but that's been harder to do.
"Because all I want to do is talk about you, but these tears won't let me talk about you. We should have known that we'd be lost without you."
Ed is currently on a worldwide tour, performing in Australia and New Zealand.
