ED Sheeran will face off with friend and collaborator Stormzy in the battle for this year’s Mercury Prize.

Sheeran’s record-breaking third album Divide and grime star Stormzy’s debut record Gang Signs And Prayers are both on the 12-strong shortlist. It is Sheeran’s first appearance on the shortlist.

Also included are The xx with I See You, fellow previous winners Alt-J with Relaxer, and poet Kate Tempest’s Let Them Eat Chaos.

Other nominees are Indie pop band Blossoms, rapper Loyle Carner, and jazz-inflected Dinosaur.