Music Stars Celebrate Brit Awards

Lily Allen, Muse, Snow Patrol and Gnarls Barkley lead the field at the UK music industry's biggest night of the year, the Brit Awards.

Stars have gathered for the ceremony at Earls Court, London, where the four acts are up for three awards each.

The ceremony is being broadcast live on TV for the first time since 1989, with comedian Russell Brand the host.

The last time the awards went out live, in 1989, it turned into a famously shambolic night, hosted by Samantha Fox and Mick Fleetwood. 

US pop band Scissor Sisters kicked off proceedings with a performance of their hit I Don't Feel Like Dancing.

Amy Winehouse, Corrine Bailey Rae, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Snow Patrol are among the other acts taking the stage.

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

The reformed Take That are favourites with bookmaker Ladbrokes to win the best British single award, decided by a public vote during the event.

William Hill are expecting to take a hit when Take That crown their comeback by winning 'Best British Single' at the Brits. The bookmakers rate Take That as their 1/3 favourites to win the public vote and offer 5/1 Razorlight America, 6/1 Snow Patrol Chasing Cars, 10/1 Will Young All Time Love and 14/1 The Feeling Fill My Little World.

William Hill also offer 5/1 that the Spice Girls reform in 2007 (all original members) and 5/1 that the Police have a number 1 single in 2007. 

"Take That have had a triumphant return and look like certainties to win the public vote for 'Best British Single' for Patience, I certainly would not bet against it," said Hill's spokesman Rupert Adams. 

Oasis will be honoured with an outstanding contribution to music award at the ceremony.