Will Mika Take Brits 2008 By Storm?

Bookies William Hill expect Mika to take the 2008 Brits by storm and offer 20/1 that he wins three or more Brits in 2008 and 7/1 that he wins two.

"Mika is the man of the moment and he has a great chance of winning a Brit or two next year." said William Hill's spokesman Rupert Adams.

Meanwhile, in this year's Brit awards, The Arctic Monkeys were the big winners at this year's Brit Awards ceremony in London, scooping awards for best British group and best British album.

But the indie band stayed away from the ceremony, instead sending acceptance videos dressed as characters from The Wizard of Oz and The Village People.

Singer-songwriter James Morrison won best British male, while soul star Amy Winehouse took best British female.

The Killers won both best international group and best international album.

The Las Vegas rock band triumphed over Gnarls Barkley and the Scissor Sisters in both categories.

The Killers and the Arctic Monkeys were the only acts to pick up more than one award. The Monkeys' success follows their prize for best British breakthrough last year.

That came soon after their debut album Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not became the fastest-selling debut in UK chart history.

But they have snubbed the ceremony both years. In the acceptance video for best British album this year, they said they were "busy rehearsing for the year ahead".

But singer Alex Turner did say it was "a very special award and is much appreciated by us all".

In other categories, Take That's hit Patience triumphed in the Best British single category in the event's first live public vote.

They beat off competition from nominated singles by Snow Patrol, Will Young, Razorlight and The Feeling. It was the reformed boy band's first Brit Award since 1996.

Singer Gary Barlow said: "Thank you everybody. It's amazing. Oh my God, it's unbelievable."

In a heartfelt speech, bandmate Jason Orange added: "The first time Take That happened I cut my dad out of the picture for whatever reason. But he's here tonight. Love you."

US pop star Justin Timberlake picked up best international male, while Canadian star Nelly Furtado won best international female.

But there was nothing for Lily Allen - who had been in the running for four awards - or Corinne Bailey Rae, Snow Patrol or Gnarls Barkley, who all had a string of nominations.

Picking up his trophy for best British male, James Morrison told the crowd: "I really, really didn't expect this. I did try to think of a speech but I didn't want to pre-empt losing. I'd just like to say I can't believe I'm here. This one's for every singer-songwriter still playing in pubs."

In a surprise choice, Scottish indie group The Fratellis beat Morrison, Allen, Bailey Rae and The Kooks to be named best British breakthrough act.

Rock group Muse won best British live act - the second time they have won the award.

The live favourites, who beat the likes of Robbie Williams and George Michael to the prize, are playing two nights at the new Wembley Stadium this summer.

Californian group Orson won the international breakthrough award, voted for by MTV viewers.

And Oasis were honoured with an award for outstanding contribution to music.

Winehouse, Bailey Rae, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Snow Patrol and the Scissor Sisters were among the stars who performed on the Earls Court stage.

The event was themed around love and hate, with Oasis performing on the "hate" stage and Take That taking helm on the "love" stage.

The ceremony was broadcast live on TV for the first time since 1989, with comic Russell Brand the host.