Will Ferrell has admitted his surprise after learning first-hand of One Direction's singing talent.

The British-Irish boyband recently appeared on US TV's Saturday Night Live alongside the actor and his Anchorman buddies.

They sang the song 'Afternoon Delight' together and it seems Ferrell was pleasantly surprised by the group's ability.

He said: "It was great to be there in support of Paul [Rudd] who was hosting and we got to perform with One Direction, or should I say they got to perform with us. I was kinda shocked, they actually are good singers. They're so down to earth and incredibly sweet."

Ferrell has been on the promotional trail for his new film Anchorman 2, which was released earlier this month.

It follows up the hugely successful original flick, which was unleashed in 2004.