"A decade on and my understanding of the narrative associated with this has changed," he said, referencing criticisms of the way Africa is portrayed in the charity song "Do They Know It's Christmas?"

The 40th anniversary "ultimate mix" will feature performances from different versions of "Do They Know It's Christmas?"

Sheeran sang alongside Coldplay, Sinead O'Connor, Sam Smith, One Direction and Rita Ora on Band Aid 30 in 2004. A new mix, released next week, blends his vocals with those of Sting from the original 1984 version of the charity song.