Ed Sheeran swapped the concert stage for the darts arena on Friday as he attended the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.
The 33-year-old singer-songwriter attempted to keep a low profile in a baseball cap but was quickly spotted by spectators and Sky Sports cameras at the iconic London venue.
The Ipswich Town co-owner and minority stakeholder found himself at the centre of attention as the famously boisterous Ally Pally crowd drew him into their festivities.
Seated at a table in the arena, Sheeran soon became the target of good-natured banter from the crowd.
The crowd quickly broke into chants of “Ipswich get battered everywhere they go”, referencing the Tractor Boys’ challenging Premier League season.
With just two wins from 16 games this season, Ipswich currently sit two points from safety in the top flight.
Ed Sheeran was egged on by the crowd to down a pint
PA
Sheeran took the teasing in good spirits, raising his cup to those singing and playfully swearing back at the crowd.
His friends at the table appeared to enjoy the moment, with one even standing up to pump his fist along with the singing.
The crowd’s interaction with Sheeran continued as they chanted “Have you ever seen Sheeran down a pint?”, prompting the singer to stand and finish his drink to roaring approval.
Ipswich fan Ed Sheeran endured a fair bit of ribbing from the Ally Pally crowd
PA
Following darts tradition, he placed his cup on top of his head, gradually building up a stack of empty cups as the afternoon progressed.
The ‘Perfect’ singer appeared to thoroughly enjoy the atmosphere, taking time to pose for photographs with approaching fans.
Throughout the session, Sheeran remained engaged with the crowd’s revelry, demonstrating he was just as comfortable with the darts atmosphere as he is on stage.
Ed Sheeran took the crowd’s jests in good humour
PA
Stephen Bunting, who defeated Kai Gotthardt 3-1 to advance to the third round, acknowledged Sheeran’s presence in his post-match comments.
“I had a few ‘bad habits’ in that game,” Bunting quipped. “My manager told me earlier that he was here, and I was shell-shocked.”
The darts player added: “I must have something about gingers. I’ve had Prince Harry here before watching me, now Ed Sheeran. It’s amazing. I’m a massive fan of his as well, even though he supports Ipswich, he’s sound.”
Bunting emphasised the importance of celebrity attendance, saying: “We need high-profile people coming to watch us. It really does spur us on when we’re on that stage.”
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