Little Mix dedicated their British Single of the Year award at the BRITs to their exes

Jade said: "Thank you so much. We honestly didn't think we were gonna get it, we were just sat there chinwagging. We'd like to thank our label Sony, Syco, Simon (Cowell), our amazing A&R, our management, and us girls, because if it wasn't for our friendship, we wouldn't still be going.

"And lastly cheers to our exes for helping us to do an amazing song, this one's for you lads."

No doubt Perrie was especially pleased as the group - who also opened the show - beat her former fiance Zayn Malik's 'Pillowtalk' to take home the gong.

Other nominees in the category included Clean Bandit Ft. Sean Paul & Anne-Marie, Tinie Tempah Ft. Zara Larsson, Jonas Blue Ft. Dakota, James Arthur, Alan Walker, Coldplay, Calum Scott and Calvin Harris Ft. Rihanna.

Earlier, David Bowie won the British Male Solo Artist award.

The late star - who passed away in 2016 after a secret battle with cancer - beat off competition from Craig David, Skepta, Kano and Michael Kiwanuka to win the award, which Michael C. Hall accepted on his behalf from presenter Zane Lowe.

Speaking about the icon, Michael - who starred in 'Bowie's 'Lazarus' musical - quipped that he wouldn't have attended the BRITs even if he was alive.

He said: "If David Bowie could be here tonight, he probably wouldn't be here tonight. But I am here tonight on behalf of his family to accept this testament to a man beholden to nothing but his own imagination."

Michael went on to praise David, saying: "His vitality soothes us and I'm honoured to stand before you and celebrate his work. David's kindness, generosity and enthusiasm will inspire me to be a better man."

Meanwhile, Rag'N'Bone Man, who was awarded the Critics’ Choice Brit Award in December, picked up the British Breakthrough Act and dec lared himself speechless when his name was called out by presenters Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora.

After winning the gong over his competitors Anne-Marie, Skepta, Blossoms and Stormzy, he said: "I just want to say thank you to all my fans. You've been amazing and I appreciate your votes so much. I don't know what else to say, I'm speechless but thank you so much, honestly."

Following his win, British Group winners The 1975 launched into a performance of their song 'The Sound'.

Emeli Sande picked up the first award of the night, British Female Solo Artist, before taking to the stage to performed.

Adele won the Global Success Award and sent a video acceptance speech, while Bruno Mars and Katy Perry also performed.

And after Wham reunited on stage for a tearful tribute to George Michael, they introduced Coldplay's Chris Martin, who sang 'A Different Corner'.