The nominations were a showcase for the diversity of British music, but in the end David Bowie dominated the 2017 Brit awards.

The star, who died last January, was awarded best British male and best British album, for his mournful swansong, Blackstar.

His victory meant that grime artists left without any trophies, despite a breakthrough year for the genre. However, Skepta stole the show with a blazing performance of Shut Down.

South London MC Stormzy also joined Ed Sheeran on stage for a new version of his single Shape Of You; while Emeli Sande, the soul star who started out singing on tracks by Wiley and Chipmunk, won best British female.

Rag ‘N’ Bone man was the other big winner of the night taking home two awards - the critics choice award and best British breakthrough act.

Bowie’s wins were a fitting tribute to one of Britain’s most influential and groundbreaking musicians. Collecting the best album prize, his son the film director Duncan Jones spoke about the star’s enduring legacy.

“He’s always been there supporting people who think they’re a little bit weird or a little bit strange. He’s ways been there for them.

“This award is for all the kooks and all the people who make the kooks,” he said, referencing the song his father wrote for him as a child, from the Hunky Dory album.

Bowie took home two of the night’s biggest prizes, best British male and best album, while Rag N Bone Man was the surprise winner of best breakthrough, beating Stormzy and Skepta.