Golden boys of British pop Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith have shared the honours on what was a muted night – literally in the case of Kanye West – at the Brit Awards.

There was drama, however, during the show’s finale when Madonna struggled to undo her flowing Armani cape during her performance of Living For Love and the pop superstar was accidentally pulled down a set of steps by one of her dancers.

The singer, who was sent sprawling before she continued her performance, later posted a message on Instagram saying: “I’m fine!”

(Yui Mok/PA)
(Yui Mok/PA)

US rapper West, supported by a huge backing cast and a flame thrower, debuted his new track All Day, which features repeated use of the N word, at the industry bash, but viewers at home were left confused when the sound was constantly muted.

An ITV spokeswoman said: “ITV took the decision to use an audio mute during the performance. The Brits is broadcast live on ITV from 8pm to a wide audience.

“We have operated a short time delay as standard practice for some years on the show, to allow us to mute language that may be inappropriate for that wide audience, and elected to do so in this case, given the performance took place shortly after the 9pm watershed.”

Taylor Swift on stage at the Brits
(Yui Mok/PA)

The awards kicked off with a wave of dancing waiters welcoming hosts Ant and Dec to the stage before Taylor Swift became the first act to perform.

The American star, wearing a short black suit, opened the show with her track Blank Space.

The ceremony, known formally as the Brit Awards 2015 with MasterCard, is held at the O2 Arena in London.

Sam Smith with his two 2015 Brits
(Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Smith was named British breakthrough act and won the global success award, while Sheeran was named British male solo artist and won the best album award for X.

Smith, whose rise began when he was named the Critics Choice winner at the Brits last year, said his win was proof he was “stepping in the right direction”.

Swift, who won the international female award, paid tribute to Sheeran, saying: “Honestly I know I wouldn’t be up here if it wasn’t for one of my best friends who took me to pubs and taught me to make a good cup of tea and taught me everything I know about the UK.”

The award for British group was presented by Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page to rock duo Royal Blood beating X Factor heartthrobs One Direction in the process.

Mike Kerr and Ben Thatcher of Royal Blood
(Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Guitarist Mike Kerr said: “This is a huge surprise for us. It’s probably more of a surprise for everyone here because you may not know who we are.”

One Direction’s huge fanbase voted the boyband winners of the award for British artist video for You & I.

Accepting it on their behalf, Simon Cowell said: “This is so exciting but Sam, you can’t win everything tonight.”

Simon Cowell
(Yui Mok/PA)

Mark Ronson presented the award – designed by Tracey Emin – for best British female solo artist to Paloma Faith who won at the third time of trying.

The award for international male solo artist was presented to Pharrell Williams and Ronson himself picked up the best British single award for Uptown Funk featuring Bruno Mars.

He thanked Mars who he said was the “world’s most talented Hawaiian”.

Comic John Bishop announced Foo Fighters were best international group, before George Ezra performed his hit Budapest.