He last played the Pyramid Stage in 2014, taking an early evening slot after the legendary Dolly Parton and this year he will be returning to headline Glastonbury.

Can't wait @glastofest x

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In a message to fans from Turin, where he started his European tour tonight, Ed said it was “awesome” news and revealed he “can’t wait”.

It is the latest accolade in a year of phenomenal successes for the Suffolk singer, who recently broke UK chart history with the release of his third album ÷ (Divide).

The album shot to the top of the charts with a staggering 672,000 sales and streams in its opening week - more than the rest of the Official Charts Company’s top 500 albums combined.

It is now officially the fastest-selling album by a male artist ever.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ed Sheeran has played Glastonbury twice before but this year he will be headlining. Picture: PAEd Sheeran has played Glastonbury twice before but this year he will be headlining. Picture: PA

Individual tracks have been doing so well that last week Ed’s music occupied 16 of the top 20 slots - and nine of his tracks featured in the top 10.

The latest charts are announced tomorrow and Ed is expected to completely dominate the top 10.

Last year, Ed took a 12-month break to concentrate on his new album, he withdrew from social media and very little was seen or heard of the 26-year-old.

He returned earlier this year with news of his new album and a string of tour dates, plus the promise of one day performing at Portman Road.

He is performing at the Royal Albert Hall on March 28 in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust and will then continue his tour with dates in Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester, Nottingham, Birmingham and London, where he will perform three sell-out gigs from May 1 to 3 before returning on June 22 ahead of his Glastonbury date that weekend.

Ed first played Glastonbury Festival – the largest in the world – in 2011, appearing on the BBC Introducing stage before the release of his debut album. He returned for a slot on the Pyramid Stage in 2014, when he led the audience in a mass sing-along to his hit Sing.

This year Ed joins Radiohead, who are to headline the Friday night, making their first UK festival appearance since 2011 and Foo Fighters, who are the main act on Saturday night.

Lady Gaga is also rumoured to be playing, after she was spotted backstage last year.

See more about Ed Sheeran here