Brits up for MTV Europe awards

Leona Lewis and Coldplay will be among the acts flying the flag for the UK as they compete at the MTV Europe Music Awards.

They line up against an array of nominees dominated by US stars such as Kings Of Leon and Lady Gaga at the star-studded ceremony on Thursday November 5.

The show is being held at the O2 World in Berlin and screened live by MTV to millions of viewers across Europe, with performers such as Beyonce on the bill.

Also on stage for the prestigious annual event will be Foo Fighters, Green Day, Leona and Shakira.

Robbie Williams, who had been lined up to appear, has since withdrawn due to a "schedule clash". However, he is still in the running for best male, up against acts such as Eminem, Jay-Z, Kanye West and Mika.

Leona is carrying British expectations in the best female category against Beyonce, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Shakira.

No British acts have managed a nomination in the best group category but Coldplay are shortlisted for best world stage performance against Kid Rock, Kings Of Leon, Lady Gaga and Linkin Park.

The ceremony will feature what promises to be a memorable link-up with a live show by U2, who are playing just yards away to a crowd of 10,000 at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate.

Singer Katy Perry - currently dating Russell Brand - is hosting the event for the second year following a show-stopping performance last year. She managed to get through 10 costumes and her appearances throughout the show saw her variously riding a giant chapstick and seated on an oversized banana.

Guest presenters will include actor David Hasselhoff and the Jonas Brothers.