Music fans gathered tonight to catch a glimpse of some of the biggest names in showbiz as the MTV Europe Music Awards returned to the UK.

R&B superstar Beyonce, rapper Kanye West and Welsh soul singer Duffy are due to perform at the awards ceremony, which is being held in Liverpool.

Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney will accept a one-off Ultimate Legend award during the show, hosted by Katy Perry.

Take That will also make a special appearance and Leona Lewis will present one of the awards.

First to arrive on the red carpet tonight was celebrity blogger, Perez Hilton, who was hosting MTV's digital coverage of the awards ceremony.

Hilton, whose gossip website attracts around eight million hits a day, was dressed as a “naughty schoolboy” in knee-lengths shorts, white shirt and school tie.

He said all his outfits for the evening were going to be of a British theme.

He added: “I’ve decided to be very British. I think I look like Elizabeth Hurley’s son, only cuter.”

Next along the red carpet was Travis McCoy, of Gym Class Heroes, who is the boyfriend of show host Katy Perry.

McCoy is also presenting the awards during tonight’s event.

Following him came Chris Fountain, of Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks.

Fountain, who also starred in Dancing on Ice, said: “I’m really looking forward to Beyonce playing tonight. But the whole thing is just going to be phenomenal.

“To have all these huge stars playing on one night is really exciting.”

Then he joked: “I haven’t got a ticket, I’ve just blagged my way through.

Welsh-born Duffy said she planned to perform her single Secret.

Asked about the sequinned dress she was wearing, she said: “This is nothing. My mum made it from an old scarf.

“Liverpool is going to see more sequins than Las Vegas tonight.”

Take That, performing at the Awards for the first time in 15 years, arrived all wearing black suits.

Jason Orange said: “It is fantastic to be here and a real privilege to be asked back after all these years.”