'I could still snort you under the table': Elton's shocking reply after worse-for-wear Lily verbally assaults him onstage



They both have form for hell-raising, so it was always likely to be a lively combination.

But when Elton John and Lily Allen got up on stage to host a prestigious awards ceremony, no one predicted quite such fireworks.

The pair began quarelling in front of a shocked celebrity crowd when Miss Allen became drunken and dishevelled after gulping down champagne as the pair handed out awards.



War of words: Sir Elton John and Lily Allen exchanged verbal missiles at the GQ Men of the Year Awards last night

Top up: Lily kept her glass full throughout proceedings



Tension: Lily looked completely disinterested in proceedings while Sir Elton appeared less than impressed

Well hydrated: Sir Elton gave a look of concern as Lily indulged in yet another sip

Miss Allen, the daughter of actor Keith Allen, already looked well-refreshed by the time the GQ Men of the Year Awards began at London's Royal Opera House on Tuesday evening.

The 23-year-old, decked out in an extravagant Dolce and Gabbana ballgown and Chopard jewellery, soon began slurring, swearing and ad-libbing.

And when she introduced Carol Vorderman to the stage with a verbal tirade, saying 'F***' no fewer than five times in the same sentence, her co-host decided enough was enough.

When Miss Allen came to announce '...and now the most important part of the night', Elton chipped in 'What? Are you going to have another drink?'

She fired back: 'F*** off Elton. I am 40 years younger than you and have my whole life ahead of me!'

The shocked audience fell silent.



Calm before the storm: The pair started off the evening playing nice as the arrived on the red carpet







A clearly rattled Elton replied 'I could still snort you under the table'. To which she replied: 'F*** off. I don't know what you are talking about.'

On more than one occasion, Sir Elton could be seen having a stern word with her in the wings between awards.

And it wasn't just Elton having a hard time at the receiving end of Miss Allen's comments. She also drunkenly blurted out the news that her brother, the stage actor Alfie Allen, had got engaged to girlfriend Jaime Winston, much to the couple's shock since they had not even circulated the news among their friends.

And when Sir Elton made reference to 82-year-old crooner Tony Bennett's age as he was given the Inspiration Award, Miss Allen interrupted: “I'll still f*** him.”

Miss Allen could be seen pouring herself champagne from a bottle she had hidden behind the lectern, gulping it down in between awards, and finally slumping down at the back of the stage.

Such was her state that she barely made it off the stage after the awards ended. She went on to drink even more champagne at the afterparty and had to be helped out to her car by her ever-present bodyguard.

Dramatic entrance: Lily Allen arrived at the event wearing a giant ballgown

The galaxy of celebrities in attendance also witnessed stars as disparate as Led Zeppelin and London Mayor Boris Johnson collect honours.

With his windswept blond locks and unkempt appearance Mr Johnson may have been the most unlikely winner in the style stakes, but he was named Politician of the Year at the ceremony.



He received his gong from fashion experts Trinny and Susannah who not doubt gave the London Mayor their opinion on his chosen ensemble.

Helping hand: An aide holds up Lily's gown while the singer signs autographs for fans

Mr Johnson certainly stood out among the glamorous guests who attended the event, where there was no shortage of glittering frocks and impressive outfits.

Elizabeth Hurley, Elle Macpherson and Thandie Newton all presented awards to the successful winners.



Miss Hurley bestowed the Blackberry Entrepreneur of the Year award to Gordon Ramsay, who won Chef of the Year in 2007.



Meanwhile Elton John took centre stage to present singer Tony Bennett with an Inspiration award.



Taking a break: Lily sneaks out for a cigarette with a friend

Early arrival: Lily tries to avoid tripping up over her extravagant dress (l) before changing into another gown for the after party (r)



Former supermodel Jerry Hall was on hand to give a Lifetime Achievement Award to photographer David Bailey.

Chris Evans continued his comeback to become Radio Personality of the Year for the second time. He first claimed the award in 1998.



Brit Award-winning comedian James Corden completed his year in the spotlight with Breakthrough Talent of the Year.



GQ Editor Dylan Jones presented pop artist Sir Peter Blake with Visionary of the Year.

Glamorous: Elle Macpherson (l) and Elizabeth Hurley (r) both looked beautiful as they arrived



Ladies night? Carol Vorderman (l) and Kirsty Gallagher (r) arrive at the GQ Men of the Year Awards in Covent Garden

The only female winner of the evening was artist Sam Taylor Wood who was named Woman of the Year by Daniel Craig. The Bond actor was not there in person and paid tribute via video.

Boxer and BBC Sports Personality of the Year Jo Calzaghe accepted Sportsman of the Year by video link as did footballer Rio Ferdinand who received an Editor's choice award.



Elsewhere, Led Zeppelin won the Outstanding Achievement Award and Mark Ronson was presented with the Alfred Dunhill Maverick Award, while Primal Scream were named Band of the Year.



Style duo Trinny and Susannah presented Boris Johnson with the Politician of the Year award

Mark Ronson picked up the Maverick Award in front of his mother Ann (l) and girlfriend Daisy Lowe (r)

Tess Daly (l) opted for a black dress, while Thandie Newton (r) selected a more colourful outfit



Jerry Hall, Jo Wood, Tracey Emin and Elle Macpherson enjoy themselves at the pre-ceremony party

Elton John poses with the event's only female winner, Woman of the Year Sam Taylor Wood

Legendary singer Tony Bennett, who arrived with his wife, collected the Inspiration Award





Gordon Ramsay was in a cheerful mood as he arrived with his wife Tana ahead of collecting the Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Denise Van Outen (l) and Jamie Winstone and Alfie Allen (r) socialise ahead of the awards ceremony



Boris Johnson (l) was named Politician of the Year while Orlando Bloom (r) presented Christopher Bailey with the Fashion Designer award

Sixties survivors: Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page (l) and David Bailey both collected awards

