It’s all off for Ed Sheeran and new flame Nicole Scherzinger*

In what has to be the most short-lived 'rumoured relationship' of all time, Ed Sheeran and Nicole Scherzinger have reportedly called off their burgeoning romance.

The pair apparently went on a series of dates over the last couple of months, growing close after Nicole confessed that Ed's music had helped her get over her seven-year relationship with Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton.

Unfortunately it seems the 13-year age gap between Ed and Nicole apparently got in the way of a serious relationship, with a friend saying the fling is now "old news."

Whispers of a flirty romance began back in July when the Ed invited the Pussycat Dolls singer to watch his Wembley Stadium show from side stage. The pair even posed together for an Instagram snap that night, which Nicole posted with the caption, "Okay okay you win @edsheeran, you’re taller."

Two weeks later Nicole made her own subtle advance while performing at a gig in Hollywood, openly dedicating a song in her set to the singer. And of course who can forget their Suffolk pub date in Ed's local watering hole, The Station Hotel?

Speaking to The Sun earlier this month, a friend of Ed's said the pair were pretty much an item despite keeping their romance under wraps. "As far as he’s concerned they're in the early stages of dating and he’s been open about it with close friends and colleagues. It may not develop beyond those dates but they’re definitely tight."

Despite their ill-fated romance, the pair reportedly remain on "good terms." Phew!