Ed Sheeran has made a cryptic return to social media, exactly one year after announcing he was taking a break from his phone.

The singer shared a blank blue image to both his Twitter and Instagram accounts on Tuesday morning, and also changed his profile pictures to the same image.

A photo posted by @teddysphotos on

Exactly one year ago, on December 13, 2015, Ed had posted a message to fans saying he would be taking time off during 2016. “I’m taking a break from my phone, emails and all social media for a while,” Sheeran wrote.

“I’ve had such an amazing ride over the last five years but I find myself seeing the world through a screen and not my eyes so I’m taking this opportunity of me not having to be anywhere or do anything to travel the world and see everything I missed.”

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“The third album is on its way and is the best thing I have made thus far,” he continued. “See you all next autumn, and thank you for being amazing.”

Ed’s return to social media has caused excitement among fans who have speculated that his highly anticipated third album might be coming soon.

Speaking to BBC Newsbeat earlier this week, Ed’s songwriting partner Amy Wadge confirmed the new album was done and it will "break the internet" upon its release.

Wadge added that she had been working with Ed throughout 2016 and said "all of this year he's been preparing for his next album”.

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Ed made his return to live performing in November, when he played at a gala dinner for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices at the Natural History Museum in London.

He also penned ‘X Factor’ winner Matt Terry’s debut single, ‘When Christmas Comes Around’, which will be fighting for this year's festive number one spot.