Ed Sheeran quits social media

Ed Sheeran is taking a break from chatting with his fans on Twitter and Instagram as he is sick of seeing life "through a screen".

Shortly before he performed the final date of his Multiply tour in Auckland, New Zealand on Saturday (12Dec15), he wrote on Twitter, "One more show on the Multiply tour then I'm buggering off for a while. What a way to end it!"

After the gig at the Mount Smart Stadium, he added, "Happy Xmas (Tour is over)", in a reference to John Lennon's festive song, Happy Xmas (War is Over), before announcing his self-imposed hiatus.

In a lengthy post on Instagram on Sunday (13Dec15), titled "Please read x", the Thinking Out Loud hitmaker wrote, "Hello all. I'm taking a break from my phone, emails and all social media for a while. I've had such an amazing ride over the last 5 years but I find myself seeing the world through a screen and not my eyes so I'm taking this opportunity of me not having to be anywhere or do anything to travel the world and see everything I missed.

"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".

His followers sent messages of support, but most were excited about the update on his third album. A title and release date for the record has not been announced.

The Brit has been on his Multiply tour since August, 2014, and will be using his well-earned break to get ear surgery, according to editors at the Daily Mail.

During his final tour performance on Saturday, Ed took to the stage in an All Blacks jersey with New Zealand rugby legend Jonah Lomu's name and shirt number emblazoned on the back. Jonah died at the age of 40 on 18 November (15).

As well as finishing his tour and taking a long-overdue holiday, Ed had another reason to celebrate this week, as he was nominated for three Grammy Awards on Monday (07Dec15).