An old video clip of global superstar Ed Sheeran has resurfaced online, sparking amusement among fans as the celebrated singer-songwriter marks his 35th birthday on February 17. The footage, which captures a teenage Sheeran at just 16 years old, shows his awkward dance moves during an audition for the ITV musical drama Britannia High back in 2007.
The Cringe-Worthy Audition That Didn't Make the Cut
Posted by The Ugly Bug Ball on YouTube, the video reveals a young Ed Sheeran trying out for a spot on Britannia High, a television series that followed students at a fictional London performing arts academy. The show was often described as Britain's answer to Fame or High School Musical, but Sheeran's audition failed to impress the judging panel.
In the clip, one judge can be heard whispering "Not even an option" after watching Sheeran's dance routine. His stint on the programme was brief, largely due to his less-than-stellar coordination and dance skills at the time.
Fan Reactions: From Laughter to Admiration
Social media users have been sharing their hilarious reactions to the resurfaced footage. One viewer commented: "Little did they know little Ed was going to become the guy he is today." Another simply wrote: "Ed's dancing... I can't."
A third fan remarked: "Didn't get accepted, but he became the most famous of them all." One more viewer questioned Sheeran's confidence during the audition, asking: "Why did Ed have his hand up when they asked who had danced before?"
From Awkward Teen to Superstar: Sheeran's Remarkable Journey
Despite this early rejection from a television talent show, Ed Sheeran has gone on to achieve phenomenal success in the music industry. He has won more than 185 awards for his musical accomplishments, proving that dance skills weren't necessary for his path to stardom.
A New Chapter: Fatherhood and Lifestyle Changes
The resurfaced audition clip comes as Sheeran has recently opened up about significant lifestyle changes he's made in his thirties. The singer revealed that becoming a father prompted him to rethink and transform his habits after leading what he described as a rather unhealthy lifestyle throughout his twenties.
Sheeran explained: "I became a dad. I remember Lyra [my oldest daughter] was two weeks old and I had my best mate round and we had a bottle of wine. I went to bed, then Lyra woke up 20 minutes after I'd fallen asleep. I woke up and thought, 'F*ck, I probably shouldn't drink if I'm going to feel this dreadful.' I want to be able to do the night-time stuff."
The singer continued: "It all came at the same time - wanting to be a responsible dad, wanting to feel and look good. I didn't want to pick my kid up and have my back f****d and stuff like that. And that also feeds into professional life... I wanted to feel superhuman on stage."
Balancing Enjoyment with Responsibility
In an interview with Men's Health UK, Sheeran elaborated on his approach to health and wellness in his thirties. He stated: "I think, underneath it all, I am a pizza-eating, beer-guzzling smoker, but that's just not my reality as a parent in my thirties. I think you have to make good decisions."
The singer revealed that he had never run more than a kilometre before but completed his first 10K during the COVID-19 pandemic. He explained: "Building up to that sort of thing just makes you feel better. And I think that in my thirties, that's where I'm at."
Sheeran emphasized that he hasn't completely abandoned enjoyment, saying: "I'm not saying I'm done with enjoying myself. I still drink. I love red wine, I love a nice meal, but it's not every day."
The resurfaced audition footage serves as a humorous reminder of Sheeran's humble beginnings and the unexpected path that led him to become one of the world's most successful musicians, despite early rejections and awkward dance moves.
