Alert – Ed Sheeran larks around with Bridgerton’s Claudia Jessie in snaps from his new Christmas music video – as he drops festive song to rival Band Aid 40 amid permission drama

Ed Sheeran was seen posing with Bridgerton star Claudia Jessie as he shared behind-the-scenes snaps from the set of the video for his new Christmas song, Under The Tree.

The singer, 33, took to Instagram on Tuesday give fans a glimpse of the making of the official video ahead of its release later that day, with several snaps seeing Ed larking around with the actress, 35, and director Richard Curtis, 68.

The festive offering will go up against the new Band Aid 40 charity single, of which Ed slammed for using his vocals without his permission. 

Ed’s original Christmas song is part of the soundtrack for upcoming Christmas film, That Christmas, which is co-written by Love Actually creator Richard.

And the superstar certainly looked to be enjoying the filming process as he larked around with Claudia in an image which saw them both hugging a huge Christmas tree. 

Ed also shared a behind-the-scenes clip of himself stocking up on Christmas items, including a bag full of leeks, as he filmed a scene for the video.

Ed Sheeran was seen posing with Bridgerton star Claudia Jessie as he shared behind-the-scenes snaps from the set of the video for his new Christmas song, Under The Tree

The singer, 33, took to Instagram on Tuesday give fans a glimpse of the making of the official video ahead of its release later that day

Another clip saw the singer-songwriter singing to the emotional track – which is co-written by his pal and Snow Patrol’s Johnny McDaid – with fans soon flooding the comments to share their thoughts.

Several noted that the song, which was released earlier on Tuesday, left them in tears.

They penned: ‘Someone was cutting onions very early this morning. sounds beautiful, love that you got to work with your brother.’

‘Aaaw, loveliest! Another song I can´t listen to without shedding a tear…’

‘Ed it’s so beautifully done but you made Mum and I cry it’s so relatable to us. I can’t wait to see the video soon!’ 

The song will be heard in the upcoming That Christmas film, which is set to hit cinemas on December 4 and stars Brian Cox, Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker, Lolly Adefope, Bill Nighy, Rhys Darby, Alex Macqueen, Katherine Parkinson, India Brown and Sindhu Vee.

It comes after Ed previously teased a festive announcement earlier this month as he, Claudia and Richard made an unexpected joint appearance on social media. 

The Grammy award-winner, British screenwriter, and Bridgerton star, teamed up to discuss their favourite Christmas movies on Friday. 

Another clip saw the singer-songwriter singing to the emotional track – which is co-written by his pal and Snow Patrol’s Johnny McDaid – with fans soon flooding the comments to share their thoughts

It comes after Ed previously t eased a festive announcement earlier this month as he, Claudia and Richard made an unexpected joint appearance on social media 

The Grammy award-winner, British screenwriter, and Bridgerton star, teamed up to discuss their favourite Christmas movies on Friday 

Sharing the clip, Ed teased that the surprise trio were gearing up to make a big announcement as he captioned it: ‘Me, Richard Curtis and Claudia Jessie got something fun for you next week’

Taking to Instagram, Ed shared a clip of Claudia revealing her festive flick of choice to be A Muppet’s Christmas Carols – much to the horror of Love Actually screenwriter Richard.

Sharing the clip, Ed teased the surprise trio were gearing up to make a big announcement as he captioned it: ‘Me, Richard Curtis and Claudia Jessie got something fun for you next week.’

The clip begins as Claudia is asked her favourite Christmas movie and replies: ‘A Muppet’s Christmas Carol’.

It is at this point that Richard appears and is heard saying: ‘What the f***? A Muppet’s Christmas Carol?’

Into frame comes Shape Of You hitmaker Ed, who adds: ‘I always watch A Muppets Christmas Carol pre Love Actually.’

‘Ohhh okay,’ Richard replies, as the camera turns back to Claudia who says: ‘That was bad timing. I forgot where I was a little bit.’

Ed’s Christmas offering comes after Ed claimed he wasn’t asked permission from Band Aid 40 organisers to use his vocals on the a new version of the charity single Do They Know It’s Christmas?

Ed’s Christmas offering comes after Ed claimed he wasn’t asked permission from Band Aid 40 organisers to use his vocals on the a new version of the charity single Do They Know It’s Christmas? 

The musician originally featured on the 2014 version of the track – spearheaded by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure [pictured in 2004] – alongside the likes of Sting and Harry Styles which aimed to raise money for the Ebola relief efforts

The musician originally featured on the 2014 version of the track – spearheaded by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure – alongside the likes of Sting and Harry Styles which aimed to raise money for the Ebola relief efforts.

However amid the upcoming release of the 2024 Ultimate Mix of the song to celebrate its 40th anniversary, Ed has told how he would have denied permission to add his voice to the song had he’d been asked.

Taking to his Instagram stories, the Shape Of You hitmaker re-shared a message from Ghanaian-British musician Fuse ODG, who has been vocal in his criticism of the charity single claiming it ‘dehumanises Africans and destroys our pride and identity in the name of ‘charity’.’

Ed wrote: ‘My approval wasn’t sought on this new Band Aid 40 release and had I had the choice I would have respectfully declined the use of my vocals.

‘A decade on and my understanding of the narrative associated with this has changed, eloquently explained by @fuseodg. This is just my personal stance, I’m hoping it’s a forward-looking one. Love to all x.’

Ed’s words are in support of rapper Fuse ODG’s strong stance on the charity song – fronted by Bob Geldof – which comes a decade after he ‘refused’ to be part of the Band Aid 30 song. 

Fuse ODG, who worked with Ed on the track Boa Me, posted a statement claiming the famous song ‘perpetuates damaging stereotypes’.

Ed has told how he would have denied permission to add his voice to the song had he’d been asked [Ed pictured heading to record Band Aid 30 in 2014]

Taking to his Instagram stories, Ed re-shared a message from Ghanaian-British musician Fuse ODG, who has been vocal in his criticism of the charity single claiming it ‘dehumanises Africans and destroys our pride and identity in the name of ‘charity’’

Fuse ODG, who worked with Ed on the track Boa Me, posted a statement claiming the famous song ‘perpetuates damaging stereotypes’.

The artist, who is releasing his own track We Know It’s Christmas, penned: ‘Ten years ago, I refused to participate in Band Aid because I recognised the harm initiatives like it inflict on Africa.

‘While they may generate sympathy and donations, they perpetuate damaging stereotypes that stifle Africa’s economic growth, tourism and investment, ultimately costing the continent trillions and destroying its dignity, pride and identity.

‘By showcasing dehumanising imagery, these initiatives fuel pity rather than partnership discouraging meaningful engagement.’

The artist went on to say that he’s making it his mission to ‘to reclaim the narrative, empowering Africans to tell their own stories, redefine their identity, and position Africa as a thriving hub for investment and tourism.’

He continued: ‘Today, the diaspora drives the largest flow of funds back into the continent, not Band Aid or foreign aid proving that Africa’s solutions and progress lies in its own hands.’ 

contacted Band Aid representatives for comment at the time.