Ellie Goulding went on ''a few'' dates with Niall Horan.

The 28-year-old singer - who is now dating McBusted bassist Dougie Poynter - has confirmed she once romanced the One Direction hunk, but laughed off speculation their relationship was the subject of Ed Sheeran's song 'Don't', which is about a friend of his dating one of his girlfriends, insisting she has never been involved with the 24-year-old star.

Ellie said: ''I did go on a few dates with Niall but I was never in a relationship with Ed. I have absolutely no idea where that came from and why it was turned into such a big thing.

''I find it so frustrating that female musicians are constantly defined by the men they have or haven't dated.''

The 'Love Me Like You Do' hitmaker is smitten with Dougie and believes they will be together forever.

Speaking to the new issue of Britain's Elle magazine, She said: ''He is definitely the one forever. He's been through a lot, and he has a quiet depth that I love.

''When I was a teenager, I fancied him but I thought he was so out of my league. Way too good-looking for me. Calvin Harris has offered to play at our wedding. Not that we've organised one. But the offer's been made.''