Ellie Goulding has confirmed she did date Niall Horan and she still considers her ex-boyfriend to be a "genuine friend".

Ellie Goulding

Ellie Goulding

The 29-year-old pop star has admitted she briefly romanced Niall, 22, and although their romance fizzled out after a few "fun" dates Ellie insists she and the One Direction heartthrob are still close pals.

Speaking to the new issue of Seventeen magazine, she said: "We're still friends. We went on a few dates, and it was really fun. He's a really, really lovely guy. He's got the biggest sense of humour, he's very caring, and I see him as a genuine friend in the industry."

The 'Army' singer has dated a few famous men, recently separating from McFly bassist Dougie Poynter, and she has long been rumoured to have been romantically involved with Ed Sheeran.

It has always been believed that Ellie is the subject of Ed's heartbreak song 'Don't' and that he was the inspiration behind her track 'On My Mind', but she has now stated they were never an item and she has certainly never penned a song about him.

Asked whether she did ever date Ed, 25, by the publication, Ellie said: "We've known each other for a few years. I think he's a really nice guy and a brilliant musician. We've bumped into each other and we've hung out and stuff, but the thing is if I hang out with someone, it's instantly like I'm 'dating' them. We were never in a relationship. My song is not about him."

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