Ed Sheeran is one of the leading names in the race for the Christmas Number 1 this year, and he has one final trick up his sleeve that he hopes will help him clinch the coveted #XmasNo1 spot.

Ed iscurrently celebrating Perfect becoming his fourth Number 1 single, which reached thesummit after an incredible 22 non-consecutive weeks in the Top 40. 

Severalversions of the song are currently available, including the original, anacoustic recording, remixes from Mike Perry and Robin Schulz, and mostrecently, a duet version featuring Beyoncé, the latter of which skyrocketed thesong's popularity last Friday to earn Ed a second Number 1 smash of 2017. Now,Ed is releasing another collaborative version this Friday.

"I dohave one more trick up my sleeve," Ed explained on last Friday'sOfficial Chart Show with Mistajam on BBC Radio 1. "It's not like a Beyoncétrick, but it's quite a cool trick. "This next one, no-one'sexpecting. It's more for my dad's generation. It'll be out in a week. You'llsee then."

It was then revealed on US TV over the weekend that operatic tenor Andrea Bocelli will be sharing the mic with Ed on the latest version, which Ed believes will interest an older audience. The new duet will be released this Friday, December 15.

Speaking to the Today show, Ed confirmed: "I've got an Italian operatic version with Andrea Bocelli coming out. It's just kind of a little present for Christmas.It's a really beautiful video that comes with it."

Source - www.officialcharts.com