Ed Sheeran experienced the unique atmosphere of the legendary Alexandra Palace crowd when he decided to catch some darts action on Friday. Donning a baseball cap, the globally renowned singer tried to blend in at the World Darts Championship, but it wasn't long before the Sky Sports cameras and the audience spotted him.
The 33 year old A-lister was quickly engulfed by the infectious excitement of the event, embracing the fun-filled antics of those around him.
The chart-topping artist is no stranger to public attention at sports games, often seen supporting Ipswich Town at Portman Road this season. His presence made for an irresistible target for the boisterous Ally Pally attendees.
Upon appearing on the giant screen, Sheeran must have anticipated what came next. The cheeky chant "Ipswich get battered everywhere they go" echoed through the crowd, providing amusement not just for the fans but also Sheeran's mates at his table.
Despite Ipswich Town struggling with just two wins from 16 Premier League matches this season and sitting only two points above the relegation zone - fairing somewhat better than Wolves and Southampton - Sheeran took it all in stride. He even playfully flipped the bird while skolling his beverage in good spirits, reports the Mirror.
Used to engaging with audiences during his gigs, Sheeran found himself part of a different kind of performance at the darts. Soon, a new chant emerged: "Have you ever seen Sheeran down a pint? " The crowd got their answer as the performer stood up and chugged his drink, earning a thunderous cheer from the spectators.
Ed Sheeran was spotted basking in the camaraderie of a darts event, adorning himself with a tower of used cups on his head—a nod to a beloved tradition—as he immersed himself in the lively atmosphere. He readily took selfies with admirers and emerged as quite the fan favourite, much like darts star Stephen Bunting who enriched his victory narrative by acknowledging Sheeran's attendance after his comeback win against Kai Gotthardt.
Bunting quipped about his own performance, "I had a few 'bad habits' in that game," followed by expressing his pleasant surprise over Sheeran's presence: "My manager told me earlier that he was here, and I was shell-shocked."
The dart player went on to mention another famous redhead who had supported him, saying, "I must have something about gingers. I've had Prince Harry here before watching me, now Ed Sheeran. It's amazing. I'm a massive fan of his as well, even though he supports Ipswich, he's sound."
Recollecting Sheeran's Sky Sports engagement, Bunting remarked, "I'm surprised he's not coming in to disrupt the interview, to be honest."
He mused over the missed opportunity to meet Sheeran, noting his admiration for the musician's work: "But it would've been really nice to meet him. I'm a massive fan of his music. I've got some of his songs flying through my head."
Bunting concluded on a personal note, sharing his son's interactive session with Sheeran and how high-profile spectators such as him fuel their performances: "My lad had a few moments with him, which he'll tell me on the way home. We need high-profile people coming to watch us. It really does spur us on when we're on that stage."
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English (United States) ·