Simon Cowell reveals Ed Sheeran has written 'great' song called '18' for One Direction album

Simon Cowell has offered more details about Ed Sheeran's latest One Direction collaboration.

The singer-songwriter has penned music for the boyband in the past, including the No.1 single 'Little Things'.

The 'x' star recently confirmed that he has contributed another tune to One Direction's upcoming album 'FOUR' and label boss Simon Cowell has told Capital FM all about the track.

The Syco mogul said: "He wrote a great song. The funny story was that Ed came down to see me at Got Talent, as he was performing, and he came up to the dressing room and I went, ‘Where’s the One Direction song?’. And he said ‘I didn’t know you wanted a song from me’ and I went ‘yeah’.

“And then literally a week later he comes round to my house with his manager one night, turned up around 11 o’clock and said ‘Do you like this song?’ and he played me ‘18’ and it took me about a millionth of a second to say yes.

"It’s turned out really well, Ed’s a real star and the fact that he did it in such a short space of time but he was so focused and he’s a brilliant songwriter. You know what I love about Ed? He’s generous. He could have kept that song but he loves writing hits."

One Direction's 'FOUR' will be released on November 17.

Watch Ed Sheeran in action below: