Ed Sheeran has told BBC Breakfast this morning who he wants to win Strictly Come Dancing this year.

Speaking to Strictly contestant and presenter Dan Walker and Sally Nugent, Sheeran said he was backing Rose Ayling-Ellis to win the series.

The EastEnders actress, who is partnered with Giovanni Pernice, made Strictly history last week as they scored a perfect 40 for their Halloween themed tango, which was performed to Sheeran’s newest single Shivers.

The Northern Echo: Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice got a perfect 40 on Saturday's show (PA) Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice got a perfect 40 on Saturday's show (PA)

Asked on BBC Breakfast if he knew he had “written the perfect tango song”, he told Dan Walker and Sally Nugent: “No… whenever I have people dance to my songs on Strictly it’s usually Thinking Out Loud or Perfect, so it was actually a really nice thing to… it was a really pleasant surprise and I thought she did wonderfully and I think she’s going to win.”

Ayling-Ellis is the first deaf contestant to appear on the popular BBC dancing show and Bake Off winner John Waite is the first to compete in a male same-sex couple.

Sheeran released his new album = (Equals) last Friday and is due to go on tour in 2022.

He also revealed last month that he is working on a new Christmas song with Elton John.