Nicole Scherzinger has reportedly met Ed Sheeran's parents

A source told the new issue of Grazia magazine: "They have really bonded in recent months. Nicole met Ed's family at the Wembley gig and really hit it off, so he invited her to hang out in his home village of Framlingham in Suffolk a few days later.

"They ate pizza and drank beers at his favourite pub, The Station, where he has taken Taylor Swift before."

Though both pop stars have denied they are romantically involved, insiders insist they are "close" but want to "play down" speculation about their relationship.

The source added: "Ed is playing down any romance, but they are certainly close."

The 37-year-old American beauty first sparked rumours of their closeness when she shared a photo with Ed backstage at his North London concert.

Nicole posted a picture of them back to back on Instagram with a caption, which read: "Okay okay you win @teddysphotos, you're taller #UOENO. (sic)"

It's thought the 'Sway' hitmaker became "extremely close" to the British musician when she told him how his music helped her get over her split from Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton.

A source said recently: "They were showbiz friends who saw each other on the scene. She was drawn to him over the last few months through his music. When she split from Lewis, she was heartbroken but ended up playing Ed's songs on loop."