Little Mix in the running for the Brits as ceremony goes ahead before an audience of 4,000

The band, which features South Shields own Jade Thirlwall and Perrie Edwards alongside Leigh-Ann Pinnock, have been nominated in the British Group category.

They will be up against Bicep, Biffy Clyro, The 1975 and Young T & Bugsey for the title as the celebration takes place this evening, Tuesday, May 11.

They have previously won titles for Best Video in 2019 for Woman Like Me and Best Single in 2017 for Shout Out to My Ex.

The event comes in the wake of yesterday’s news that Perrie and her partner, Liverpool FC player Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, are expecting their first child together.

That came days after Leigh-Ann confirmed she was also expecting with footballer fiance Andre Gray.

The Brits will be staged at London’s O2 Arena and hosted by comedian Jack Whitehall, marking the first live music show at the venue in more than a year.

There will be an audience of 4,000 as part of the Government’s live events pilot scheme, with 2,500 tickets gifted to key workers from Greater London.

Those attending will not be socially distanced or required to wear face coverings once seated.

They will need proof of a negative lateral flow test result, provide details to NHS Test and Trace and follow Government guidance while travelling.

The ceremony will air live on ITV and ITV Hub from 8pm, while Chelcee Grimes and Arielle Free will host the international live stream via the Brits YouTube page.

Yasmin Evans and AJ Odudu will host a stream of the red carpet, with a watch party on Twitter.

Dua Lipa, Arlo Parks, Celeste, rap duo Young T & Bugsey and DJ and producer Joel Corry are nominated for three awards.

Jessie Ware, dance music duo Bicep and rappers AJ Tracey, J Hus and Headie One scored two nominations.

Coldplay will start the ceremony with a performance of new single Higher Power from a pontoon on the River Thames.

They join Arlo Parks, Dua Lipa, Griff, Headie One, Olivia Rodrigo and Rag’n’Bone Man and Pink with the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust Choir on the live billing.

Taylor Swift will become the first woman to be presented with the global icon Brit Award.

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