Ed Sheeran & Nicole Scherzinger — Hot New Couple Alert?

Is love in the air for Ed Sheeran and Nicole Scherzinger? The pair, who have become great friends, have been spending a lot of time together and are reportedly in the ‘early stages of dating.’

Has Nicole Scherzinger, 37, scored herself a new man? The former Pussycat Dolls singer is reportedly in the midst of a new romance with crooner Ed Sheeran, 24. The pair has gotten “extremely close” following her split from Formula One racer, Lewis Hamilton, 30.

Ed and Nicole have been friends for a long time, but their relationship moved from the friend zone after Nicole split with Formula One ace Lewis Hamilton, 30, back in Feb. 2015, The Sun reports. To nurse her heartbreak following her breakup with the racing star, Nicole found solace in Ed’s songs, and their connection blossomed.  Since then, Ed has had Nicole backstage at one his shows and whisked her off to his hometown of Suffolk, where they had a drink at his local pub!

“As far as he’s concerned they were in the early stages of dating and he’s been open about it with close friends and colleagues,” a source told the outlet. “When she split from Lewis, she was heartbroken but ended up playing Ed’s songs on a loop,” another source divulged.

Well, Ed certainly has a voice that can swoon the ladies! Nicole and Ed are now closer than ever. “They’re extremely close,” a friend of Nicole’s added. “Nicole says he is the male version of her.”

Ladies Man Ed Sheeran Has Reportedly Dated A String Of Beauties

Ed, who broke up with chef Athina Andrelos in March 2015, has been seen with a score of beautiful women ever since their relationship came to an end. First, he was linked to stunning model Barbara Palvin, 21, who was also Niall Horan’s ex. He also reportedly dated Irish model Louise Johnston. However, Ed denied that saying his love life was “non-existent” only last month.