Ed Sheeran bids farewell to America after whistlestop promotional tour a

Ed Sheeran prepared for a return to the UK on Tuesday after completing a short promotional tour of the United States on behalf of his new album. 

The singer-songwriter, 30, is back in the spotlight following the release of his fifth mathematically titled studio album, = (Equals), on October 29. 

And he was in high spirits after arriving at New York’s John F. Kennedy airport ahead of a flight back to London following appearances on a string of US talk shows.

Here he comes: Ed Sheeran prepared for a return to the UK on Tuesday after completing a short promotional tour of the United States on behalf of his new album

Wearing a salmon pink T-shirt beneath a tan shearling jacket, unassuming Ed gave onlookers a thumb’s up as he made his way across the busy terminal. 

He added to a characteristically relaxed look with a pair of loose fitting black joggers and Nike high-top trainers, while a travel bag was casually slung across one shoulder.

In accordance with ongoing health and safety concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19, the shaggy haired star wore a black face covering while waiting to board his plane. 

Upbeat: Ed was in high spirits after arriving at New York’s John F. Kennedy airport ahead of a flight back to London following appearances on a string of US talk shows

Close: Earlier that day Ed was hand in hand with wife Cherry Seaborn as they walked around New York City’s Battery Park 

His return comes after he sandwiched appearances on Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon between a special showcase at New York venue Butterfly. 

The Shape of You singer was allowed to travel following isolate with his daughter Lyra, 14 months, after both tested positive for COVID-19. 

He took to Instagram last week to inform his followers that he’s ‘had the all-clear’ and has now been released from isolation. 

Chat: The singer-songwriter appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon during his time in the United States 

There he is again: Ed also performed on the latest episode of hit show Saturday Night Live

The songwriter wrote: ‘Posting this pic to say I’m released from Covid isolation today, so if you see me out and about I’ve had the all-clear and done my quarantine.

‘Excited to hit the ground running with work again, and SNL is still on, so tune in Saturday, see you there.’ 

Ed discussed his isolation stint during an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show – which aired last Saturday and again saw him perform a track from the new album. 

Back onstage: He also found time for a live showcase at New York City venue Butterfly

He explained: ‘It was just me and my daughter in the house and my wife lived next door for a bit.

‘My wife had been away when I got diagnosed with it [so] she’d cook us dinner and drop it off. It was actually really nice to have one-on-one time [with my daughter].’

He went on: ‘To do 10 days uninterrupted was pretty fun. She’s 14 months. Walking everywhere.’

As for his symptoms, Ed revealed he had ‘headaches, aches, tight chest, cough, and couldn’t taste’ – classic signs of COVID-19 infection. 

Ever the jokester, he added: ‘I did get a vindaloo in. They say you can’t taste, but there’s still the sweat and the heat.’

In good company: Ed and Cherry were accompanied by a bodyguard as they ventured out in New York City on Tuesday afternoon