Elton John and Lily Allen spat

Sir Elton John is well known for befriending new talent, offering them cosy chats at his London home, or even loaning them his villa in the South of France as a haven. However, it seems likely he will not afford singer Lily Allen the same courtesy after a very public falling-out at the GQ awards on Tuesday. The pair co-hosted the prize-giving ceremony, which was held at the Royal Opera House, and matters became strained as Allen overdid it with the champagn.

Introducing Carol Vorderman to the stage, the singer said "Fuck" five times in the same sentence. Sir Elton, who is no stranger to alcohol abuse, looked on askance, but it wasn't until Allen announced "...and now the most important part of the night..." that he finally reacted, saying: "What? Are you going to have another drink?"

Allen was not amused. She fired back: "Fuck off Elton. I am 40 years younger than you and have my whole life ahead of me!" The shocked audience fell silent. But Sir Elton was not to be outdone, replying: "I could still snort you under the table". This did not go down well. Allen replied: "Fuck off. I don't know what you are talking about."

And it didn’t end there. Later, as Sir Elton made reference to 82-year-old crooner Tony Bennett's age as he was given the Inspiration Award, Allen interrupted: "I'll still fuck him." It was that kind of night.