Elton John won the first ever Brits Icon award last night. The 66-year-old singer won the award at a gala concert where he made made his return to the stage after being forced to cancel a number of gigs over the summer when he was struck down with appendicitis.

"It must be nice to be in a theatre and not be lying down," host Demot O'Leary quipped.

"I'm glad to be rid of the appendix. Pesky little bugger," Elton replied.

The star was presented with the award by singer Rod Stewart - who joined Elton on stage for their first ever live performance together where they sang a duet of "Sad Songs" - who described him as "the second-best rock singer ever."

When Elton was given the gold Brits trophy in recognition of his lasting impact on the nation's culture, he added, "They've even made it sparkly on the bottom, which you know I love." He opened with "I'm Still Standing" before turning to the classics including "Your Song" and "Rocket Man."

The star studded bash was attended by Liz Hurley and Gary Barlow, while video messages were played from a host of A-Listers including Ed Sheeran, Emeli Sande and Ringo Starr.