Ed Sheeran will sing the James Bond theme tune 'when his balls drop'

The 'Thinking Out Loud' singer says Sam Smith would be perfect for Spectre

Ed Sheeran is the most listened-to act in the world (Getty Images)

Ed Sheeran has ruled himself out of singing the James Bond theme tune because his voice “lacks balls”.

The “Thinking Out Loud” singer was speaking backstage before the BBC Music Awards where he picked up the gong for Best British Artist.

"I am a James Bond fan but I think the theme tune should be ballsy and I feel like if I was going to do it, it would sound a bit wet,” he told The Independent.

"The Hobbit song [“I See Fire”] was perfect for me to do as it’s folky and guitar-driven - a hairy short man should be singing that kind of song!”

Sam Mendes, who will direct upcoming Bond movie Spectre, has reportedly already chosen the act to follow in Adele’s Oscar-winning “Skyfall” footsteps but their identity remains a mystery.

So with Sheeran out of the running for the coveted James Bond theme tune slot, who does he think would be Mendes’ voice for the job?

"I think Sam Smith would be perfect suited up with his strong voice. I’m backing Sam. Anyone from him to Paloma Faith who does the retro thing really f**king well should do it.

"I’d love to but I just wasn’t born with the James Bond voice. You never know, I’m not ruling it out, maybe in ten years time when my balls drop.”

Smith seemingly debunked Bond theme tune rumours in the summer when he told NME that the possibility of him singing was "all news to him".