Ed Sheeran has said he felt like a 'stud' after he was rumoured to be dating pop superstar Taylor Swift.
And the Brit-winning singer said he was delighted that even his friends believed he was capable of attracting the attentions of such a glamorous figure.
Unlikely celeb couple: Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift
However Ed said they were merely friends and denied suggestions that there was any romance between them. He had recently been seen leaving her hotel room in the early hours, prompting speculation that they were an item, but he said there was an innocent explanation - they were merely playing songs to each other.
In an interview for a New Zealand broadcaster TVNZ, Ed said: "I did go to her hotel, I did stay there 'til four and I did leave in the same clothes - but I was playing her my new record. It was strictly that kind of thing.
"Literally, I went in there and we passed the guitar back and forth and played songs to each other."
Taylor with ex, Harry Styles
Asked whether he stole a kiss he responded: "I'm a professional."
Ed - whose friend Harry Styles from One Direction had a fling with Taylor - went on: "The thing that impressed me with the media is that because they wrote about it, my mates believed it.
"And my mates are texting me being like 'is it true?' so I said it wasn't but the fact that people can believe it makes me feel like a bit of a stud, you know?
"I've got to be honest because one of my best friends did date her. I'm not that kind of guy. But the fact that people believed it impressed me a little bit."
And he pointed out it would be foolhardy to date Taylor because they were due to tour together, adding: "Six months on the road with someone, that could get a bit awkward."