Ed Sheeran and Louise Johnston dating? Singer smitten by former Fade Street star

Ed Sheeran and Irish model Louise Johnston are reportedly getting close to each other.

According to Irish Mirror, the 24-year-old Thinking Out Loud crooner is smitten by the former Fade Street star.

"Louise and Ed have been friends for years but now they have become a lot closer. They are constantly in touch, even when he is on tour, but he is coming here soon for a gig in Dublin and they will be able to catch up then," a source said.

"Friends and family now know, so it is out there. Louise really cares about him and it's going very well."

"The fact Louise isn't a big star is helping things move along nicely. She is different to some of the girls he has been linked to," the insider added. "She's known Ed since long before he was selling out stadiums and their friendship has built up over the years, so it's not as if Louise is a starry-eyed girl."

Sheeran broke up with girlfriend Athina Andrelos in March, after she reportedly told him to keep distance from American singer and songwriter Taylor Swift.

The Shake It Off singer paid tribute to Sheeran, during her acceptance speech at the 2015 Brit Awards, for all his help over the years.

"Honestly I know I wouldn't be up here if it wasn't for one of my best friends who took me to pubs and taught me how to make a good cup of tea and taught me everything I know about the UK," she told the audience. "I just want to say I love you Ed Sheeran."