Ed Sheeran admits he 'almost killed' Elton John while shooting their 'Merry Christmas' music video

Ed Sheeran "almost killed" Sir Elton John while shooting their festive music video.

The two stars have teamed up on Merry Christmas and paid homage to classic seasonal promos in their own video but thinks almost went badly wrong when the 30-year-old star came close to striking his 74-year-old pal in the head with a "big metal bell".

Speaking to Apple Music's Zane Lowe about the track, Ed said: "We just shot a Christmas music video. Oh, mate. I almost killed him with a bell.

"On the video, there's footage of... I'm dressed up as sort of sexy Santa Claus and I kick a present, but the present had a big metal bell on top of it. I showed him the footage of it today, because we slowed it down and the bell flew past his head and would've cracked him in the head.

"Oh my God, the horror that went through my body when it was flying through the air."

Despite the incident, the 'Bad Habits' singer is delighted with the video.

He added: "But, man, the music video is wild. We've parodied all the great British music videos that came at Christmas."

Ed admitted he'd never expected to record a Christmas single at this stage of his career, but it "made sense" to team up with his friend and mentor.

He said: "It is always the type of thing that I thought I would do when I was 60. My manager said he would retire if I made a Christmas album.

"I’ve always wanted to work with [Elton] and this made most sense."

The 'Shivers' singer previously revealed Elton calls him every day and it was during a chat on Christmas Day last year that the idea for a festive single was sparked.

He said: "Elton rung me on Christmas Day to say Merry Christmas.

"He rung me on Christmas Day, and he said, 'Step Into Christmas' is number six in the charts, and I'm 74, and I'm still having f****** chart hits, this is great!

"I want to do another Christmas song, will you do it with me?'"

- Bang! Showbiz

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you