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MTV Awards host Rita Ora paid a poignant tribute to her friend Liam Payne on stage at the ceremony, saying he had the “biggest heart”.

Ora, who duetted with Payne on the song For You from the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack in 2018, became emotional as she spoke about the One Direction star towards the end of the event.

The 31-year-old singer died after he fell from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 16 October.

Speaking on stage at the MTV Europe Awards in Manchester, Ora described Payne as “one of the kindest people” she ever knew.

MTV EMAs host Rita Ora paid tribute to Liam Payne at the end of the ceremony. Pic: Reuters
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Pic: Reuters

Her voice shaking, the 33-year-old appeared tearful as she addressed the audience.

“I just want to take a moment to remember someone very, very dear to us,” she said. “We lost him recently and he was a big part of the MTV world and my world.”

Payne “had the biggest heart and was always the first person to offer help in any way that he could”, she added. “He brought so much joy to every room he walked into and he left such a mark on the world.”

The tribute took place near the end of a ceremony which saw Taylor Swift crowned best artist – making her the first act to claim the award three times.

The star, who is about to resume her record-breaking Eras tour next week, also won the awards for best live act, best US artist and best video for Fortnight, her collaboration with Post Malone. She did not attend the event – instead cheering on her NFL star boyfriend Travis Kelce at his latest game – but gave a recorded speech to accept her prizes.

“I had the best time touring in Europe this summer, so it just is wonderful for you to do this,” she said.

Sabrina Carpenter and Raye among winners

Raye performs at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards at Manchester Co-op Live in Manchester, Britain, November 10, 2024. REUTERS/Phil Noble
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Raye was named best UK and Ireland act. Pic: Reuters/Phil Noble


Sabrina Carpenter‘s mega hit Espresso was crowned best song, while Ariana Grande was named best pop act and South African star Tyla – one of the night’s performers – picked up the awards for best Afrobeats and best R’n’B.

British singer Raye, who cleaned up at the Brits earlier this year, was named best UK and Ireland act, and also performed her hits Escapism and Body Dysmorphia as her name shone in lights behind her.

Hip-hop star Busta Rhymes received the global icon award before performing a medley of hits including Break Ya Neck, Put My Hands Where Your Eyes Could See, and I Know What You Want.

“I’ve never got an award from MTV before,” he said, as he accepted the trophy from British star Little Simz. “Thirty-four years of professionally recording, this is the first time I’m getting an award from MTV.

“It feels f****** incredible.”

Busta Rhymes receives the Global Icon award at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards at Manchester Co-op Live in Manchester, Britain, November 10, 2024. REUTERS/Phil Noble
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Busta Rhymes was honoured with the global icon award. Pic: Reuters/Phil Noble


The night was opened by Benson Boone, who made a show-stopping entrance suspended in the air playing a golden piano before touching down to perform his hit, Beautiful Things, as pyrotechnics sparked around him.

He quickly went on to pick up the first prize of the night, for best new artist.

“Thank you guys for changing my life,” he told the crowd. “I promise you I will be giving it all back to you.”

Tyla performs at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards at Manchester Co-op Live in Manchester, Britain, November 10, 2024. REUTERS/Phil Noble
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Tyla performed before picking up awards including best R’n’B. Pic: Reuters/Phil Noble


Rapper Eminem was also among the winners, accepting his best hip-hop gong in a video speech which he started in a mock British accent. “I appreciate y’all, man,” he added.

Other award winners were announced on screen, including Liam Gallagher for best rock and Calvin Harris in the best electronic category.

The show was closed by the Pet Shop Boys, who performed the classic hit West End Girls and their new cover of Mott The Hoople’s All The Young Dudes, after being honoured with the pop pioneers award.

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Stars on the MTV Awards red carpet

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Shaun Ryder and Bez talk pop and politics

Earlier in the night, stars gathered on the red carpet – including local Mancunian guests such as Blossoms and Happy Mondays stars Shaun Ryder and Bez.

Former X Factor stars Jedward – twins John and Edward Grimes – were also among the VIP guests.

Speaking to Sky News on the red carpet, they paid tribute to Payne, saying they had “grown up together” and that his death was a “big loss”.

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This is the first time the MTV event, which is held in different European cities each year, has taken place in the UK since a ceremony in London in 2017 – when Payne performed Strip That Down, his first solo single, to launch his career after One Direction.

It has also previously been held in Liverpool and Glasgow, but this is a first for Manchester and its new Co-op Live arena – which opened earlier this year, albeit three weeks later than planned due to several setbacks and cancellations.

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Best moments from the MTV EMAs

Last year’s EMAs ceremony was planned for Paris, but was cancelled amid security concerns “given the volatility of world events” following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war.

The European awards are separate to the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), which take place in the US earlier in the year.

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Swift dominated at that ceremony, taking home seven gongs to equal Beyonce’s career total of 30 and match her as most-awarded musician in VMAs history.

But her three EMA wins take her to a career total of 18 – which means she still has a few to go to equal Justin Bieber’s record of 22.

The MTV EMA winners

Taylor Swift is shown on screen after winning the Best Video award for "Fortnight" featuring Post Malone, at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards at Manchester Co-op Live in Manchester, Britain, November 10, 2024. REUTERS/Phil Noble
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Taylor Swift accepted her awards in a video message. Pic: Reuters/Phil Noble


Best artist – Taylor Swift
Best song – Sabrina Carpenter, Espresso
Best UK and Ireland act – Raye
Best video – Taylor Swift ft Post Malone, Fortnight
Best new artist – Benson Boone
Best collaboration – Lisa ft Rosalia, New Woman
Best US act – Taylor Swift
Best live – Taylor Swift
Best pop – Ariana Grande
Best rock – Liam Gallagher
Best alternative – Imagine Dragons
Best hip-hop – Eminem
Best K-pop – Jimin
Best electronic – Calvin Harris
Best R’n’B – Tyla
Best Afrobeats – Tyla
Best Latin – Peso Pluma
Best push – Le Sserafim
Biggest fans – Lisa
Global icon – Busta Rhymes
Pop pioneers – Pet Shop Boys

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Paul Mescal says being the star of Gladiator II as it premieres in London is ‘absolutely, wildly overwhelming’

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Paul Mescal says being the star of Gladiator II as it premieres in London is 'absolutely, wildly overwhelming'

Gladiator II star Paul Mescal has said bringing Sir Ridley Scott’s legacy sequel to the big screen has been a “wildly… overwhelming” experience.

The star was speaking to Sky News on the red carpet at the film’s royal premiere which was attended by His Majesty the King, who had earlier hosted members of the film and TV industry at a Buckingham Palace reception.

When asked about making the move from indie films, like All Of Us Strangers and Aftersun, into one of the most eagerly anticipated films this year, Mescal said: “I’m excited to play with what the audience is expecting of me.”

“The royal audience is one thing… I think we’ve seen how an audience responded to the film, royal or not, and I think we’re excited for people to see it.”

A whole 24 years after Sir Ridley Scott’s Roman blockbuster starring Russell Crowe, Mescal plays Lucius who, much like the original, finds himself trying to win back his freedom after powerful emperors of Rome conquer his home.

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The King greets stars at film and TV event

Read more from Sky News:
Actor Timothy West has died, aged 90
Huw Edwards to keep BAFTA awards

With an actual-scale model of the Colosseum built for the production, the film comes with high costs and a lot of hype.

More on Paul Mescal

“I’m struggling with words at the moment,” Mescal admitted, taking in the occasion, having come from the champagne reception at Buckingham Palace.

“This has been an absolutely, wildly – I keep using the word overwhelming – but I think if this isn’t slightly overwhelming then I don’t know what the hell is. I’m having a great time.”

Sir Ridley explained his reason for casting Mescal was that he saw aspects of “a young Albert Finney” in him.

While the pressure is on for the sequel to do well at the box office, the director said he’s learnt how to deal with the weight of expectations over the years.

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“Any film of [this] scale, it doesn’t matter how we play it down, it’s colossally stressful. You better embrace stress or don’t do the job.”

Before heading to the premiere, the King welcomed directors, actors, TV presenters, stunt performers and costume designers at the palace to mark the centenary of the Film and TV Charity, of which Charles has become patron.

Sir Ridley, actor Joseph Fiennes, actress India Amarteifio from the hit Netflix show Queen Charlotte, and TV presenter Claudia Winkleman were among the celebrities who attended the event.

Gladiator II is in cinemas on 15 November.

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Actor Timothy West has died, aged 90

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Actor Timothy West has died, aged 90

Actor Timothy West has died peacefully in his sleep aged 90, “with his friends and family at the end”.

He was known for many roles in television and the theatre, including popular soaps Coronation Street and EastEnders.

Husband to 92-year-old Prunella Scales – who played Sybil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers – the pair travelled together on UK and overseas canals in the Channel 4 series Great Canal Journeys.

His children Juliet, Samuel and Joseph West, said in a statement issued by his agent: “After a long and extraordinary life on and off the stage, our darling father Timothy West died peacefully in his sleep yesterday evening. He was 90 years old.

“Tim was with friends and family at the end. He leaves his wife Prunella Scales, to whom he was married for 61 years, a sister, a daughter, two sons, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. All of us will miss him terribly.

“We would like to thank the incredible NHS staff at St George’s Hospital, Tooting and at Avery Wandsworth for their loving care during his last days.”

Timothy West and Prunella Scales.
Pic: Geoff Pugh/Shutterstock
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West with his wife, Prunella Scales. Pic: Geoff Pugh/Shutterstock

He was the winner of an RTS television award for his lead role in Churchill And The Generals, released in 1979, according to imdb.com.

In his career, he played Winston Churchill three times, including in The Last Bastion (1984) and in Hiroshima (1995).

West was also nominated for best actor in the 1976 BAFTAs for his part as Edward VII in the historical drama.

Four years later, he was nominated in the same category for a number of roles, including as best actor in Crime And Punishment.

Timothy West (right), in BBC One's  drama, Last Tango In Halifax.
Pic: PA
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West (right) in BBC drama, Last Tango In Halifax. Pic: PA

After a small part as Eric Babbage in Coronation Street in 2013, West appeared in 2014 for the first time as Stan Carter in EastEnders.

He also held other popular TV roles, such as in BBC comedy-drama Last Tango In Halifax.

Timothy West as King Lear during a photocall for the 2003 English Touring Theatre production of William Shakespeare's King Lear.
Pic: PA
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West as King Lear during a 2003 English Touring Theatre production of William Shakespeare’s tragedy. Pic: PA

In the long-running BBC comedy, Not Going Out, he played Geoffrey, the father of Lucy Adams, played by Sally Bretton.

In comedy-drama Brass, he was the ruthless self-made businessman Bradley Hardacre, playing the role from 1982 to 1984 before returning for a third series in 1990.

In 2019, the Bradford-born actor played Private Godfrey in Dad’s Army: The Lost Episodes, a recreation of three missing episodes of the BBC comedy Dad’s Army.

He was also a regular performer of Shakespeare, playing Lear in 2016 and 2002.

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Band Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas? – 40th anniversary track revealed

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Band Aid's Do They Know It's Christmas? - 40th anniversary track revealed

An “ultimate” version of Band Aid’s famous festive hit Do They Know It’s Christmas? is set to be released to mark the song’s 40th anniversary, featuring the voices of original singers as well as younger artists.

The track will feature voices from Band Aid 1984 including George Michael, Sting and Boy George, alongside the likes of Harry Styles, Chris Martin, the Sugababes, and Ed Sheeran, who appeared on the Band Aid 20 and Band Aid 30 versions in 2004 and 2014.

It will also feature the vocals of a young Bono, who recorded the song’s famous line – “Well tonight thank God it’s them, instead of you” – singing with his older self.

Pic: PA
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The original version included artists such as Sting, Boy George, George Michael, and Bono. Pic: PA

The singers will be backed by the Band Aid house band of Sir Paul McCartney, Sting, Duran Duran’s John Taylor, Phil Collins, Queen’s Roger Taylor, Supergrass’s Danny Goffey, Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and Johnny Greenwood, Paul Weller, Damon Albarn, Midge Ure, Gary Kemp and Justin Hawkins.

Other voices to feature on the 40th anniversary remix include Sam Smith, Elbow’s Guy Garvey, Rita Ora, Bananarama, Seal, Sinead O’Connor, Robbie Williams, Kool And The Gang and Underworld, with proceeds going to the Band Aid Trust.

And in a new video, the late David Bowie will introduce the song’s stars, with newsreader Michael Buerk’s BBC report on the song also featuring.

The history of Band Aid

Bono of U2 arrives for the recording of the Band Aid 30 single at Sarm Studios in Notting Hill, London, in 2014. Pic: Anthony Devlin/PA
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U2’s Bono also returned for the recording of Band Aid 30 in 2014. Pic: Anthony Devlin/PA

Led by Boomtown Rats frontman Bob Geldof and Ultravox’s Ure, the original Band Aid single saw artists join forces in 1984 to help charities working with starving children in Ethiopia.

The song went straight to the top of the charts that year and at the time held the record as the fastest-selling single of all time in the UK, selling a million copies in the first week alone.

It remained at number one for five weeks and went on to sell more than three million copies.

The movement led to the famous Live Aid concerts around the world the following year, with artists including Queen, Bowie and Sir Elton John performing at Wembley in the UK.

Harry Styles, before he shaved his head in February 2023. Pic; AP
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Harry Styles featured on the 2014 version. Pic: AP

Do They Know It’s Christmas? was released again with different generations of stars over the decades, to raise money for other causes.

In 1989, Stock Aitken and Waterman produced Band Aid II, featuring just two of the artists from the song’s first iteration – Sara Dallin and Keren Woodward of Bananarama.

Band Aid 20 raised funds for Sudan’s Darfur region, while the 30th anniversary supported those helping throughout the 2014 Ebola crisis.

Read more:
Like A Virgin at 40: How Madonna defined an era
Happy Mondays: ‘We used to tout our own tickets’

In celebration of this monumental “instrument of change”, producer Trevor Horn has taken the recordings and blended all the voices “into one seamless whole”, organisers said.

The Do They Know It’s Christmas – 2024 Ultimate Mix will premiere on UK breakfast radio and streaming on 25 November, the 40th anniversary of the day artists went into the recording studio to create the original song. It will also be released physically on CD and vinyl on 29 November.

It will feature on a compilation also including the other recordings, plus the Live Aid Wembley 1985 version.

Artist Sir Peter Blake, 93, who designed the original sleeve – featuring a collage of Christmas card images alongside a hungry child – has returned to create the new cover.

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