Brit awards 2021: follow the ceremony live

Dua Lipa, the Weeknd, Elton John and more are playing the biggest night in British music to an actual indoor crowd of thousands. Follow the red carpet and ceremony here

10.09pm BST

[muted swear words]

10.08pm BST

An unrecognisable, blonde Maisie Williams presents this award, naming Swift one of the biggest names in the history of music ... an inspiration to people all around the world". In a VT, Selena Gomez says she's the same girl I met when I was 15 ... generous, kind and cares so deeply about her fans." Ed Sheeran says fans are constantly getting a different side of her and it's a very difficult thing to do time and time again"; Zoe Kravitz says nobody works harder"; Annie Lennox calls her exceptional and I truly love how she uses her platform to advocate for women and the LGBT community."

And here she is, thrilled by the presence of Maisie Williams (anyone who knows me at all knows that Game of Thrones is my life") and Annie Lennox on the VT (my soul left my body").

I wanna thank the Brits and anyone who decided that I would be up for this incredible honour. i'm really proud to be part of this musical community especially in a year where we needed music so much - and what we needed even more was the help and support of the NHS and the key workers that are here for us tonight. Thank you for everything you've done for us."

We all know what happened next - the world changed and I ended up putting out three albums instead. Making Folklore and Evermore was one of the most unique, cathartic, extraordinary experiences I've ever had."

I wanna thank my friends and family, who know exactly who they are, whose opinion of me never changed whether my stock was up or down. If there's one thing that I've learned it's that you have to look around you every day and take note of the people who've always believed in you ... Never take them for granted. There are so many incredible artists in this room tonight and a lot of people watching who have goals and ambitions for yourselves. I need you to hear me: there is no career path that comes free of negativity. If you're met with resistance that probably means that you're doing something new. If you're experiencing turbulence or pressure that probably means you're rising and there might be times where you put your whole heart and soul into something and it is met with cynicism or scepticism. You cannot let it crush you: you have to let it fuel you because we live in a world where anyone has the right to say anything about you that they want at any time but please remember that you have the right to prove them wrong. I love you all. Thank you so much for this beautiful honour, thank you to the Brits, this is amazing.