Ed Sheeran treated Late Late Show viewers to an in-depth interview and exclusive performances on Friday night, plus there was a very special surprise for Ryan Tubridy.
The superstar singer-songwriter, whose paternal grandparents were from Wexford, was surrounded by superfans who got the chance to chat with their idol and hear exclusive acoustic performances of his hit singles Perfect and Eyes Closed. Sheeran also played Boat, a track from his brand new album Subtract.
In the two-part interview, Sheeran spoke candidly about the death of his close friend Jamal Edwards and his tumultuous 2022 when his wife Cherry was diagnosed with cancer.
Speaking about how his wife urged him to start therapy to help him deal with his grief after Jamal's death Sheeran told Tubridy: "Making my new album definitely helped me open up. Writing the songs helped me address things.
"I would never ever have admitted any of this stuff to anyone and it was only through making this album and my wife actually being like ‘I actually think that there’s a problem here and you might benefit from speaking to someone’."
Sheeran, who has appeared on The Late Late Show on numerous occasions - including two visits to the Toy Show - wished Tubridy well for "the next chapter" of his career.
He said: "I really think you're making the right decision for your life and going on to the next chapter."
After his final performance, Sheeran rendered Tubridy speechless when he gifted him his guitar. Trying to compose himself Tubridy said: "My nerves are gone!
"Oh my God, are you serious? Thank you. You know what, I have a guitar at home, and this is one of my secrets that I've never shared...I have about four chords.
"And every now and again I might pick it up and strum away quietly. But now I have no excuse. I'd like to apologise to my neighbours in advance."
Tubridy then returned the favour and presented Sheeran with four Wexford jerseys. He said: "And you're a Wexford man... there's one for everyone in the family!"
Thanking Tubridy Sheeran said: "I'm really excited for them to grow up and know their Irish roots. I think it's going to be great bring them over here."
The Late Late Show, RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, Fridays, 9:35pm
