Irish duo Jedward claim they’re set for a collaboration with Ed Sheeran next year

IRISH duo Jedward have sensationally claimed to have lined up a collaboration with superstar and "close pal" Ed Sheeran in 2018.

Ed, 26, capped off an incredible return to music by performing with Stormzy at the Brit Awards 2017 on Wednesday.

X Factor twins John and Edward Grimes, 25, finished runners-up in Celebrity Big Brother 2017 earlier in February.

And speaking at the Universal Brits after-party, John revealed they were enlisting the help of Ed as they prepare to transform their music style next year.

He said: "We're good with Ed, we're close. We've known him since before he made it big.

"This year we're concentrating on EDM music. Next year we'll do more stripped back stuff, which is where Ed will come in."

Last month Ed joined the ranks of chart legends by being one of the only artists to hit No1 and No2 with two songs released on the same day.

After more than a year out of the limelight, Ed debuted two new singles — Castle On The Hill and Shape Of You.

Jedward, by contrast, completed their impressive second outing on Celebrity Big Brother 2017, finishing second behind Loose Women presenter Coleen Nolan.

But they couldn't celebrate for long as they found out their father had been hospitalised during their reality stint.

The twins only discovered the heartbreaking news their dad was in hospital after leaving the Celebrity Big Brother house because their father John Grimes insisted the pair should not be told in order to allow them to continue the show.

But during a live Periscope session with their fans which the twins publicised on Twitter this month, the stars revealed he’s on the mend as they answered fans' questions online.

They said: “Our Dad’s really really good.”