The SECRET success advice Ed Sheeran gave a young Christian Wilkins backstage

EXCLUSIVE: Ed Sheeran’s ‘secret to success’ advice given backstage at a Logies pre-party to Christian Wilkins in 2014 continues to shape his daring career moves in his 20s

Christian Wilkins, 26, has rubbed shoulders with countless A-listers thanks to his veteran entertainment reporter father Richard ‘Dickie’ Wilkins.

But there’s one celebrity encounter that has stuck with him for years — a quiet backstage moment with English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran in 2014.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday, the model recalled the incredibly personal ‘secret to success’ chat given to him as a teen by the global hit-maker. 

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EXCLUSIVE: Christian Wilkins reveals the advice Ed Sheeran (pictured) shared with him as a teenager in 2014 about career success

Christian’s chance meeting with Ed occurred at a pre-Logies Kylie Minogue concert in 2014, which he says was both powerful and inspirational.

‘My dad [Today Extra host Dickie] sort of asked if he had any advice for me, and Ed basically told me when he was younger he tried to write a song a day, and now people see him with his albums and assume that he has an immediate success of tapping into song writing genius,’ he began.

Christian said Ed went on to tell him that while he painstakingly wrote songs everyday – most of them ‘no good’ – the hard work and persistence was worth it for the eventual ‘gem’.

‘He said you need to let that passion drive you and seek out the things that make you happy and the things you love to do, and from there success can be born.’

‘It really was quite a beautiful moment,’ Christian said. 

'My dad [Today Extra host Richard 'Dickie - right] sort of asked if he had any advice for me':

‘My dad [Today Extra host Richard “Dickie” Wilkins – right] sort of asked if he had any advice for me’: The model recalled the incredibly personal ‘secret to success’ chat given to him as a teen by the global hit-maker after being introduced by his famous father at a Sydney event

‘He [Ed Sheeran] said you need to let passion drive you and seek out the things that make you happy’: Christian said Ed went on to tell him that hard work and persistence was always worth it for the eventual ‘gem’

Christian has since had varying degrees of success in the media; from modeling in runway shows, presenting on TV, hosting podcasts, competing on Dancing With The Stars and venturing into acting. 

However, he insists his most daring career move and triumph has been his recent appointment as Pantene’s first ever male ambassador in Australia.

‘This is probably one of the biggest career moves I’ve ever made and anytime we go out on limb or ledge we are a bit scared and there is definitely the chance of backlash, but you need to back yourself and follow your dreams. And this had been a dream of mine for so long,’ he said.

He's a star! Christian has since had varying degrees of success in the media; from modeling in runway shows, presenting on TV, hosting podcasts, competing on Dancing With The Stars and venturing into acting

He’s a star! Christian has since had varying degrees of success in the media; from modeling in runway shows, presenting on TV, hosting podcasts, competing on Dancing With The Stars and venturing into acting

'You need to back yourself and follow your dreams. And this had been a dream of mine for so long': Following Ed's advice, Christian insists his most daring career move and triumph has been his recent appointment as Pantene's first ever male ambassador in Australia

‘You need to back yourself and follow your dreams. And this had been a dream of mine for so long’: Following Ed’s advice, Christian insists his most daring career move and triumph has been his recent appointment as Pantene’s first ever male ambassador in Australia

‘On my Radical Fashionism podcast we [Christian and co-host Andy Kelly] have a saying: “who cares if you have hunchback, throw some glitter on it and go dancing” I try to take that attitude into everything I do.

‘The opinions of others, everyone has them, but you have to do what makes you happy and pursue the things you’ve always wanted to do,’ he added.

‘It’s been an absolute dream come true, to be able to become this new generation of Pantene ambassadors. It’s such a pinch me moment!’

Christian and Pantene are hosting a free #DareToDoXtra pop up salon in Sydney’s Paddington from Friday May 7 to Sunday May 9. Register here. 

Get in quick! Christian and Pantene are hosting a free #DareToDoXtra pop up salon in Sydney's Paddington from Friday May 7 to Sunday May 9 2021

Get in quick! Christian and Pantene are hosting a free #DareToDoXtra pop up salon in Sydney’s Paddington from Friday May 7 to Sunday May 9 2021