Spice tribute as rapper wins at Brits

Dizzee – whose real name is Dylan Mills – won the award for best British male solo artist, beating Robbie Williams and Paolo Nutini, among others, while Jay-Z won best international male solo artist.

The US hip hop artist and producer was presented with his award by Mel B and went on to salute the Spice Girls, who he claimed had inspired him.

Among the other major winners were Lady Gaga, who picked up three major accolades, and Kasabian, jokingly described by host Peter Kay as "Leicester's answer to Aswad", who were named best British group. Dame Shirley Bassey presented the British female solo artist award to

Lily Allen.