Ed Sheeran says he lost himself earlier in his career and revealed his cousin threatened to quit working on his tour if he did not rein in his wild lifestyle.

The chart-topping star, whose album AfA. (Divide) has spent a ninth week at number one, has frequently used his autobiographical music to sing about drinking and drug use.

Ed Sheeran in concert at Allianz Stadium in 2015. Credit:Wolter Peeters

He told BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs he initially found it difficult to be alone in the spotlight, saying: "Before you get into it (fame) everyone warns you: 'This will happen, this will happen'.

"It's like having a check list in front of you when things happen."