ED SHEERAN’s superstar pals Taylor Swift and Beyonce may be joined by a quirkier famous face next time he has a party.

The ginger singer, 28, has struck up an unlikely friendship with Britain’s Got Talent winner Colin Thackery, who is 61 years his senior, after the war hero covered one of his hits.

I can reveal the pensioner wrote to Ed to thank him for allowing the use of Supermarket Flowers on his debut album, Love Changes Everything.

And to his surprise, Colin got a reply from Ed saying how much he loved his version.

In an exclusive chat, Colin, 89, said: “He said he had seen the performance of his song and said he could feel every word I was singing and he thanked me for writing to him. It was just a few lines but it meant rather a lot.

“I thought it would be nice to write to him and I was astonished I got this rather nice letter back. He was just a nice chap.”

Colin, who served in the Royal Artillery, became the oldest ever winner of Britain’s Got Talent when he was crowned the champion in June.

He won the hearts of the nation after revealing he entered the competition as a tribute to late wife Joan, who he was married to for 66 years.

The veteran said he could relate to Supermarket Flowers — which he covers on his debut album, out on December 6 — as Ed wrote it after the passing of his grandmother.

He said: “When I listened to the words it was very significant because I believe he’d written it for his grandmother when she died.

“The actions of packing things up, like folding her nightdress and putting it in a case, I know all about these things because I had to do it. When I listened to it, I really understood why he’d written it.

“I was with Joan most of our adult life, losing her was like losing your right arm.
“But music has helped me through it enormously.”

Hopefully Colin’s music will be as helpful to others also having to face sad times.

ROCKETMAN actor Taron Egerton marked his 30th birthday with a big bash attended by showbiz pals including former supermodel Claudia Schiffer.

Photos shared online from Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire at the weekend showed him cycling, relaxing in a hot tub and blowing out candles on a two-tier cake.

Given the year he’s had after playing Elton John, he deserved to let his hair down.

Jen's a Friends icon

YOU couldn’t tell by looking at Jennifer Aniston that Friends was first shown 25 years ago.

The fresh-faced actress, 50, was at the E! People’s Choice Awards at the Barker Hangar in Los Angeles on Sunday, where she scooped the Icon Award.

In her acceptance speech she said: “When I heard I had won this Icon Award the first thing I thought was, ‘Holy shnicks, have I been around that long?’ It turns out I have.

"If I have any claim to this word ‘icon’, it’s only because I was able to be on an iconic show, with an iconic cast – and an iconic haircut.”

Maya Jama was given the gong for UK & Ireland’s best dressed and Pink picked up the People’s Champion Award.

The singer gave an inspirational speech saying: “ I don’t care about your politics, I care about your kids. I care about decency and humanity and kindness.”

Kim Kardashian posed for a snap with Stranger Things’ actor Noah Schnapp on the red carpet. I’d have got Schnapp happy if I’d met Kim, too.

Headie One

Brixton Academy

TO boast grime royalty of Skepta. Dace, Krept and Konan and Stefflon Don on an album is impressive – but for Headie One to bring them all out at a gig shows what a big hitter he already is.

The drill rapper went through breakout album Music X Road and lit up the stage with flames and a choir. Swerve with Stefflon, Of Course and Home were clear fan favourites.

But inevitably the North London artist’s hit single Both really got the room bouncing.

It’s only time before he’s big time like Skepta and Dave. Let’s hope it doesn’t go to his head.

Joe Kasper

★★★★

Cheers to slim Simon

HERE is Simon Cowell looking trimmer than ever after overhauling his lifestyle.

The X Factor boss was in Central London to record an interview for Heart FM’s Breakfast show, which is presented by his fellow Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden.

His new look is down to a vegan diet – and changing over to low-calorie beer.

I briefly tried Simon’s diet in August. But ditching meat and dairy was just a step too far for me.

And I’m happy to continue drinking beer too  . . .  just not the low-calorie kind.

SHAKIRA has told of her devastation when she was diagnosed in 2017 with a potentially career-ending vocal issue.

The Hips Don’t Lie singer told NME: “There were times when I couldn’t even get out of bed. I didn’t feel joy again until I got my voice back.

“Temporarily losing my voice was the most difficult moment in my life. I mean, I knew that some day I would lose my youth or my beauty or certain friends, but I never thought I would lose my voice.”

Living ex-doors

IF Liam Hemsworth wanted to keep his distance from ex-wife Miley Cyrus he’s going the wrong way about it.

The Hunger Games actor is planning to build a place next door to the home he used to share with the singer in Malibu, California.

The couple, whose split was revealed in August, owned two lots next to each other and split the land in their separation.

Their home on one burned down in wildfires last November but they started to rebuild it over the summer. Liam is now planning his own place.

A source said: “Liam is really annoyed at how Miley has acted following their split, singing about him and moving on so quickly.

“He doesn’t want anything to do with her but he has this plot which he needs to do something with so he’s submitted plans for a home.

“At the moment he simply wants to sell it as soon as it’s complete, because it will be worth a fortune.

“He’d only consider living there if she sells her place. He has no interest in maintaining contact.”

I doubt there will be any Christmas cards then, even as neighbours.

bizmeter

THE SCRIPT are set to score their fifth No1 album on Friday. Sunsets & Full Moons is 8,000 copies ahead of Snow Patrol’s Reworked in the midweeks. Michael Ball and Alfie Boe’s Back Together is No.3. Simply Red’s Blue Eyed Soul is at No5.

MAMMA Mia! The Party has been such a big hit that booking has been extended until May 31, 2020, with tickets on sale this Friday. The ABBA-inspired experience at London’s O2 Arena includes a Mediterranean feast and theatrical performance.

OZZY OSBOURNE will be hoping it’s third time lucky after having to postpone his UK and European No More Tours 2 tour for a second time due to ill health. The rocker has announced new dates, and will be kicking off his six- week trek in Newcastle on October 23 next year.

ROBERT CARLYLE is eager to return for a third Trainspotting film with director DANNY BOYLE. The actor, who plays Begbie, told Radio Times: “It would have to be set in a rest home, probably. Skagboys Rest Home. It might take that long, but Danny might do it.”

MOST READ IN BIZARRE

Drake has a safe bet

JUST what do you get the woman who has everything?

The answer, according to Drake: Somewhere to keep it all.

The lovestruck rapper attempted to woo billionaire Kylie Jenner with the unorthodox – and unromantic – gift of a safe.

A source said: “Drake realised there was no point showering a billionaire with trinkets and tat. So he thought outside the box and got her – a box. The idea was that Kylie could use it store her jewellery.

“It may not be an extravagant present, but it’s practical, and Kylie would’ve appreciated the gesture.”

The Sun revealed on Saturday that Kylie and Drake hooked up briefly earlier this year – and the reality star is still up for something more serious.

I think Drake will be harder to crack than his gift.

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