Ed Sheeran has told of his proud Suffolk roots in an interview covering subjects as diverse as his love for Jeremy Corbyn and his plans for a Bruce Springsteen inspired fourth album.

The 26-year-old singer, who grew up in Framlingham, told the Sunday Times: “I’m very careful to remain a Suffolk boy.”

“My best friends are my school friends,” he added.

Ed, who left Twitter earlier this year in response to a backlash of negative comments, also used the interview to address his divisive public image. “It’s weird,” he said, “Because I’ve never felt this much adoration and I’ve never felt this much hate.”

Whereas public figures in the past could avoid negativity, as “people never say bad things to your face”, Ed said the internet meant people “hide behind a screen”. “I’ve met many journalists who said stuff about me, but when you meet them, it’s all smiles,” he added. “But I don’t think any musician has had their sanity or career helped by replying to people on Twitter.”

“People either really love you or you’re the Antichrist. Nobody just says ‘he’s alright’. And since I’ve deleted my account, I haven’t really paid attention to anything said about me, which is healthy.”

Ed also addressed two other subjects of controversy - his Glastonbury performance (“I did a very good job”) and his acting in Game of Thrones (“I said two lines. You can’t judge ability after two lines”).

In discussions about relationships, Ed hinted towards possible family plans with his current girlfriend Cherry Seaborn, whom he met at Thomas Mills High School in Framlingham. “Now is the time to settle down,” he said.

And in a rare glimpse towards his political inclinations, Ed has come out as a Corbyn fan.

After explaining “I’m not Mr Political” and “won’t get behind a party”, he went on to give a glowing testimony for the Labour leader.

“I love Corbyn,” he said. “I love everything Corbyn is about.”

As for what is next for the multi- platinum selling artist: “My plan is a lo-fi album that will be my lowest-selling, but most loved,”

The inspiration is said to be Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska, which he heard after a night out in New York with Game of Thrones star Kit Harington.

But before that, Ed is set to perform on the final of Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday night.