Ed Sheeran has enlisted the help of a bodyguard.

The 'Thinking Out Loud' hitmaker has been given his first security associate to keep female fans at bay following his split from long-term girlfriend Athina Andrelos.

He told The Sun newspaper: ''I've been given a security guard, for the first time in four years.

''It started getting a little bit grabby. I don't mind if people ask politely but if someone grabs you and pulls you...''

However, fans who dream of dating the 24-year-old star may be left a little disappointed over rumours he has started dating again after he was spotted out with Victoria's Secret model Barbara Palvin in Sydney only hours after he announced he had split from Athina.

Ed and the 21-year-old model - who has previously dated Leonardo Dicaprio, Justin Bieber and Niall Horan - enjoyed a meal out at a burger bar, with a source claiming there was ''definitely a spark'' between the two.

The insider said: ''Ed and Barbara looked relaxed and happy. They seemed to be enjoying each other's company and having a laugh. There was definitely a spark.''