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THE Brit Awards returned with a bang tonight as Jack Whitehall took a swipe at Rita Ora, Little Mix fought back tears and Harry Styles baffled fans with his new accent.

The incredible event, which featured an audience of 4,000 people as part of the Government's live events pilot scheme, saw 2,500 key workers cheer on the biggest names in music - marking the return of live music to London's O2 Arena after more than a year.

Read our Brit Awards 2021 blog for the latest news and updates

Little Mix were very emotional as they made history this eveningCredit: Rex

Jack Whitehall kicked off the event with a sketch featuring Line Of Duty stars Vicky McClure and Martin Compston, as well as social media sensation Jackie Weaver, who went viral with her contributions to a parish council meeting.

He went on to leave viewers in hysterics as he took aim at Rita Ora for her illegal party in the Covid pandemic and Piers Morgan being forced off Good Morning Britain.

The host later shocked as he launched into a sweary rant, which bosses failed to bleep out in time.

Viewers were left shocked as Harry Styles picked up the award for Best British single and debuted a new accent.

And Lewis Capaldi raised eyebrows as he slurred throughout his presenting segment and ended up being bleeped out for most of it due to his swearing.

Lewis seemed worse for wear on stageCredit: Getty

Fans were baffled by Harry Styles new accentCredit: Getty

Jack Whitehall made a series of cheeky jibesCredit: PA

Little Mix made history as the first female group to win the best British group prize.

Pregnant band members Perrie Edwards, 27, and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, 29, had shown off their bumps on the red carpet after recently revealing they are both expecting for the first time.

They were joined by bandmate Jade Thirlwall, 28, to accept the award.

Perrie said: “Two of us have baby brains so we had to write it down. We’ve just made history. This is insane. I feel emotional.”

The girls then fought back tears, while those watching at home couldn't contain theirs as they listened to the powerful speech.

Little Mix delivered a powerful speech as they fought back the tearsCredit: ITV

Line Of Duty featured in the opening sectionCredit: Getty

Elton John performed with Olly AlexanderCredit: EPA

Coldplay delivered a performance of their new single Higher Power from a pontoon on the River Thames, surrounded by hologram dancers and against a backdrop of purple and orange fireworks.

Billie Eilish saw off competition from artists including Cardi B and Taylor Swift to win the international female solo artist gong, while Arlo Parks said it was her "dream to true" to be named breakthrough artist.

Coldplay sang their new single Higher Power from a pontoon on the River ThamesCredit: Getty

The group - Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jade Thirlwall and Perrie Edwards - thanked former bandmate Jesy Nelson and girl groups including Spice Girls who paved the way.

Dua Lipa took home the female solo artist Brit for a second time and called on Boris Johnson improve pay for NHS workers.

Dua Lipa scooped Female Solo Artist award for a second timeCredit: ITV

Former First Lady Michelle Obama left fans shocked as appeared on their screensCredit: ITV

The Weeknd performed his new track and was awarded International Male Solo ArtistCredit: ITV

Afrobeats star J Hus also won the male solo artist Brit Award.

US singer-songwriter Taylor Swift was at the event to collect the Global Icon award — and delivered a poignant speech as the first woman to win it.

Haim were named International Group and Hertfordshire-born singer-songwriter Griff, 20, was presented with the Rising Star award.

In another win for the girls, London singer-songwriter Arlo Parks, 20, won as Breakthrough Artist.

Billie Eilish won the international female solo artist gongCredit: ITV

Sir Elton's husband David Furnish delivered an introductionCredit: ITV

Sir Elton John and Olly Alexander left fans speechless with their 'groundbreaking' performanceCredit: ITV

Years And Years frontman Olly Alexander and Sir Elton John performed a version of the Pet Shop Boys' 1980s hit It's A Sin, inspired by the Channel 4 TV series of the same name.

The pair were joined on stage by drag queens while Sir Elton's husband David Furnish delivered an introduction highlighting the work of the Elton John Aids Foundation.

The night also featured performances from Rag'n'Bone Man and P!nk with the Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Choir, viral sea shanty sensation Nathan Evans and rising star award winner Griff.