Pop star Emeli Sande has said it feels like a “huge weight has been lifted” after revealing she is in love with a woman.

Sande has shared a selfie of herself with her new partner on Twitter a day after telling the Metro she was in a same-sex relationship with a classical pianist called Yoana.

The 35-year-old British singer-songwriter wrote on Twitter on Saturday: “It’s taken me many years to find the strength to be myself.

“I’ve struggled for a long time to accept myself as I am. I’m so lucky to have found my soul mate Yoana, she’s such an extraordinary woman!

“Falling in love with her gave me the strength I needed! Feels so good to be in love and I feel happier than ever.”

The Next To You singer added that she felt “deeply touched” by all the “messages of love and support” she has received since making the relationship public on Friday.

She added in her Twitter post: “Feels like such a huge weight has been lifted, here’s to a new beginning in truth and happiness!”

Sande, who performed at the Concert For Ukraine on 29 March, revealed on Friday that she met her new partner when she was learning about classical music.

She added: “For me, true love and having love in your life makes everything fit into place.”

Sande, whose new album Let’s Say For Instance is due to be released in May, was previously married to marine biologist Adam Gouraguine before they divorced in 2014.

When asked if she is bisexual following the announcement of her new relationship, Sande said: “I’m not sure what I identify as but I guess so. I just feel like I should fall in love with whoever I fall in love with.”