Ed Sheeran does naked photo shoot for Aids charity

Ed Sheeran says he's doing a naked photo shoot to help raise money for Elton John's Aids Foundation.

The singer/songwriter, whose debut album went to number one in the official album chart last month, has also revealed he's lost three stone (19kg) since January.

"I'm not a very confident guy when it comes to taking clothes off," he said.

"I've been persuaded for Elton John's charity to do a naked photo shoot. So ladies, lock up your daughters."

The 20-year-old, who's from Suffolk, won the breakthrough artist prize at last week's Q awards.

His debut single The A Team spent 13 weeks in the top 10 of the UK singles chart after its release in June, selling more than 50,000 copies.

'Bit flabby'

He says the Elton John photo shoot won't be too revealing though as he might be using a bowler hat as a prop.

"I think it's all going to be part of a catalogue that's going to be sold to raise money. A lot of people are doing it."

Apart from the Elton John photo shoot, Ed Sheeran is also taking part in the Children In Need Rocks charity concert in Manchester next month, which will be shown live on BBC One.

The evening will be hosted by Chris Moyles and Fearne Cotton, along with actor David Tennant, and will also feature the likes of JLS, Snow Patrol, Elbow, James Morrison, N-Dubz, Ed Sheeran and Hugh Laurie

That's ahead of a UK tour starting in Aberdeen on 9 January.

The singer says he now feels better about himself after losing lots of weight this year.

"I was 14 stone (88kg) in January and I'm now 11 (69kg)," he said.

"It's going to be the first time that I feel comfortable on screen.

"I stopped drinking and got a personal trainer. I was a bit flabby to be fair.

"I moved out at 16 from above a pub with a kebab shop where I ate and drank and just got a bit chubby."