From Liam Payne and Cheryl to Rita Ora and Tinie Tempah: Inside the star-studded Brit Awards after parties

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Tom Powell22 February 2018
The Weekender

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Liam Payne and Cheryl led the way as a host of celebrities descended on London’s finest after parties following a raucous night at the Brit Awards.

The star couple, who were putting on a united front amid rumours of a split, were pictured partying into the early hours at the Universal BRITs afterparty hosted by Soho House at The Ned.

Earlier, Cheryl made an awkward joke about the couple’s love life during a live chat with Brits host Jack Whitehall.

The pair, who both donned black outfits, were joined by Liam’s One Direction co-star Niall Horan at the party along with a host of other celebrities.

Liam Payne, Cheryl, Sam Smith and Jessie Ware enjoy the Universal Music after party at the Ned
Dave Benett

Sam Smith, Myleene Klass, Alexa Chung and Jessie Ware were among the stars at the bash, which also saw the members of US pop group Haim dancing above Nick Grimshaw’s DJ deck.

Rita Ora, who performed her song For You with Liam during the ceremony, attended an after party hosted by Warner Music at Freemason Hall.

Idris Elba joined DJ Pete Tong for a set at the equally star-studded Warner party, which counted Holly Willoughby, Emma Bunton and Tinie Tempah among the revellers.

Rita Ora poses with Emma Bunton
Dave Benett

Philip Schofield, Caroline Flack, Mollie King from the Saturdays, Emma Willis and Jess Glynne were also spotted letting their hair down.

Meanwhile, Craig David performed across town at the Sony Music after party, with Paloma Faith unable to stop herself getting involved.

Tinie Tempah attended the Warner after party
Dave Benett

The ceremony, presented by Jack Whitehall, was dominated by wins for Stormzy and Dua Lipa, who was the first female in the history of the Brits to be nominated for five awards in one year.

Stormzy fell to the ground in shock when he was announced the winner of British album of the year, beating Ed Sheeran to what is seen as the most coveted prize of the night.

Pete Tong and Idris Elba were behind the decks at the Warner bash
Dave Benett

Singer-songwriter Dua Lipa hailed the power of women as she picked up the award for British female solo artist, on a night when the stars carried white roses to show their support for the Time's Up movement.

The ceremony featured a tribute to the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing in the form of an appearance by Liam Gallagher who was called upon after Ariana Grande was forced to pull out due to illness.

The American pop star was due to take to the stage to remember the victims of the attack that took place at her concert in May last year, but was not well enough to travel to the UK.

Dua Lipa, who also won the British breakthrough artist accolade, was one of the stars who carried a white rose in support of victims of sexual harassment and assault.

The star paid tribute to women who had been on the Brit Awards stage before her as she collected the prize for British female solo artist.

She thanked "every single female that has been on this stage before me, that has given girls like me - not just girls in the music industry - but girls in society, a place to be inspired by, to look up and have allowed us to dream this big."

Liam Gallagher with his 18-year-old son Lennon
Dave Benett

She added: "Here's to more women on these stages, more women winning awards and more women taking over the world."

Stormzy appeared overwhelmed as he accepted his first ever Brit - British male solo artist - fending off competition from Sheeran and Gallagher.

He said: "I don't even know how I have managed to achieve this, this is the grace of God!"

Accepting his prize for British album of the year for Gang Signs And Prayer, the rapper told the audience: "Firstly, I always give all the glory to God, God this is all you, this is all you God."

Despite losing out on two awards to Stormzy, Sheeran won the Global Success award.

Other winners included British single for Rag'n'Bone Man for his track Human, Kendrick Lamar won international male solo artist, and Foo Fighters won best international group.

​Lorde was named international female solo artist, and Damon Albarn-fronted group Gorillaz won the British group award.

Harry Styles won the British artist video of the year award for Sign Of The Times, fending off competition from fellow One Direction star Liam Payne and ex-member Zayn.

Stars performing on the night included Justin Timberlake, Rita Ora, Foo Fighters and Sam Smith.

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