FANS of TV’s hottest show had a mixed response to its latest instalment – after singer Ed Sheeran appeared in the series premiere of Game of Thrones.

The long-running fantasy series, which stars Emilia Clarke as dragon-owning firebrand Daenerys Targaryen, returned to UK TV screens last night.

Now in its seventh season, the big budget programme – which is adapted from the novels of George RR Martin – is known for its lavish costumes and adult storylines, which often involve sex, murder, betrayal and ambition.

While most of the main players of the fictional lands of Westeros and Essos are by now instantly recognisable to viewers, the latest episode was marked by the appearance of one face better known in the real world.

Sheeran, who recently headlined Glastonbury, stole one scene when he appeared as a soldier and sang around a campfire.

He is the latest in a line of musicians to have such cameos, following Iceland’s Sigur Ros and indie band Snow Patrol, who were formed in Dundee.

Not all fans were impressed, but many shared their views on Twitter.

Referencing a popular children’s cartoon, one user posted: “Ed Sheeran’s cameo in Game Of Thrones was about as discreet as Spongebob impersonating Squidward on Opposite Day.”

Another said: The Ed Sheeran scene was actually an interesting moment/departure that was overshadowed by putting Ed Sheeran in it.”

And one joked: “Hello it’s me, Ed Sheeran, and I’m here to remind you none of this is real! It’s just a TV show haha, I’m Ed Sheeran.”

However, some were kinder to the English chart-topper, even going so far as to brand his scene “iconic”.

One posted: “I can’t believe Ed Sheeran is on GOT!!! Amazing!”

Another Twitter user, who had also apparently missed the pre-broadcast publicity surrounding Sheeran’s fleeting addition to the cast, said: “”What an unexpected cameo by Ed Sheeran but damn his voice is so good!”