'How did he agree to that?' X Factor fans outraged as chart-topper Ed Sheeran is revealed as songwriter behind winner's single... as they argue he should have kept it for himself

He's spent some much-needed time away from the spotlight.

But Ed Sheeran was very much a part of Sunday night's live X Factor, albeit in spirit, as he was revealed as the ghost writer behind the new winner's single.

Though the news wasn't greeted with delight all-round, as viewers expressed their outrage that the chart-topper didn't release, When Christmas Come Around, himself. 

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New material: Ed Sheeran fans were disappointed to see that he had given a winning single to The X Factor, on Sunday night

'That song would have been so much better if Ed Sheeran had of sang it himself (sic),' said one fan.

Another said: '@edsheeran should never have given that song to @MattTerry93 - I want to hear Ed singing it not an X Factor winner. So mad.'

Considering his success, many asked how Simon Cowell had managed to get Ed to sign on for the role.

Winner, winner: Matt Terry was crowned winner of The X Factor on Sunday, and will release a track called When Christmas Comes Around

Congratulations: Proceeds for the song will be split equally between charities Together for Short Lives and Shooting Star Chase

'how did king ed sheeran agree to have a song written by him sung by matt f***ing terry?' one fan asked.

Explaining the situation, co-writer Amy Wadge wrote on Twitter: 'Here's the thing @edsheeran & I wrote a song a few wks ago Ed sent it to @SimonCowell and now it's the winners single on tonight's X factor'

Later, the musician congratulated winner Matt by saying: 'Massive congrats @MattTerry93 you sound beautiful on the song xxx' 

Some were surprised to see Ed put his name to the accolade, considering his back catalogue of No1 hits. 

Friends in high places: Ed's writing credits extend far into the A-list world, including having worked with One Direction

Famous pals: He is the name behind many chart-topping tracks that no-one ever knew (here with Calvin Harris)

Showbiz pals: Ed has written with Taylor Swift, his close showbiz pal

Previously, Ed has written for Jessie Ware and Hilary Duff as well as former X Factor acts One Direction and Olly Murs.

He is the name behind such tracks as Hugh Little Baby by Wretch 32 and Everything Has Changed by Taylor Swift.

This time, the song has been written for charity, with proceeds being split equally between Together for Short Lives and Shooting Star Chase.

One fan tweeted: 'I think X Factor's demise began at the exact moment Ed Sheeran became the patron saint of the boys category.' 

Shock and surprise: While some were disappointed to see Ed not keep the song for himself, others knew that the track was destined for No1 because it was of a certain quality

Another said: 'Same reason Ed Sheeran can forget his anti processed-pop stance if he's offered enough money to write the winner's single.'

While others were quick to praise the quality of the track, saying that they guessed it was written by Ed because of its likability. 

One said: 'I'm glad that the winners single is actually a Christmas song! Another masterpiece written by Ed Sheeran. Worth the purchase!' 

Others said: 'Actually like the X Factor winners single written by Ed Sheeran. Something credible at last!' and 'Can tell it's a song written by Ed Sheeran without being told, pure quality makes me even more excited than i already am for his new music!'

Finally, another joked: 'So in love with matt's debut single, written by the legend, ed sheeran, 'when christmas comes around', it's definitely going straight to #1' 

Explaining the situation: Co-writer Amy Wadge explained that they approached Simon Cowell with the song

Making music: Ed has been noticeably absent from the spotlight, taking some time out purely to write music

 

 

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