Take That shine again as the ageing boy band prove to be best of the Brits

Rapper Tinie Tempah, the young pretender of the British music scene, may have scooped two major prizes, but last night’s Brit Awards belonged to an ageing boy band.

Take That, who have dominated the world’s pop scene despite bitter splits and reunions, were named Best British Group. They beat off strong competition from rivals, including Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro, from Kilmarnock.

The revamped event, the biggest music industry bash in the UK, was held for the first time at the O2 Arena.

Tinie Tempah, nominated four times, won the award for British Breakthrough Act and Best British Single for Pass Out. He said: “I want to big up God and my family for sticking by me when times are hard.”

The star, real name Patrick Okogwu, was the most nominated artist last night, with his other categories being for British Male Solo Artist and and British Album of the Year for Disc-Overy released last year.

The rapper paid tribute to his collaborator, Labyrinth, who worked on the song and dedicated his award to “UK music, peace and love”.

But hot-favourite Tempah lost the British Male Solo artist award to Plan B, a rapper, singer, actor and film-maker who also saw off competition from former Led Zeppelin lead singer Robert Plant, 62, Mark Ronson and Paul Weller.

Chart topper Jessie J said it was a “super amazing” time for British music. The winner of this year’s Critics’ Choice award said it made her proud to be an artist in the current climate.

The singer, at No 1 with Price Tag, said: “It’s a super amazing time for British music right now – it has evolved so much. To be No 1 is amazing, and I’m just overwhelmed. I’m going to work hard and hopefully I’ll be here again next year.”

Former Wimbledon tennis champion Boris Becker presented Canadian band Arcade Fire with the best International Album award for The Suburbs.

Take That kicked off the ceremony with a show-stopping performance of their new single, Kidz.

The coveted award for Best British Album went to Mumford and Sons for Sigh No More.

Lewis Hamilton, the Formula One star, presented Cee Lo Green with his award for Best International Solo Artist. The rapper and singer said that his heart was racing.