Ross buys self-portrait of Bowie

Jonathan Ross has forked out £20,000 at a charity auction for a self-portrait of his hero, David Bowie.

The 48-year-old TV presenter and DJ, one of the best-paid figures in British broadcasting, was treating himself after he was presented with a music industry award for the exposure he has given to new artists.

He was handed his Music Industry Trusts (MITs) gong by pop star George Michael at a ceremony in central London.

The artwork was from a series of five self-portraits Bowie produced for his 1995 album Outside.

Earlier in the evening a message of congratulations sent from Bowie was read aloud by host Paul Gambaccini.

Bowie poked fun at Jonathan's own musical dabblings: "I love both your records... and if I play them at the same time your Ws sound like Rs."

Singer George also sent himself up, making light of his recent stint in the Priory. He said: "I've been thinking how I can put this - on my way from the Priory this evening - in the back of a lovely van - having been given day release."

Ross joined in the joke: "Wow, what a treat. George Michael, wow. I thought you were dead. And he's giving me a lift home, I can't believe my luck."

Holding his award up to the crowd, he said: "It's shoddy, it's cheap-looking. Was it handcrafted by a 14-year-old in Taiwan?

"But it's what it represents and I'm touched and I don't feel worthy."