The stars come out for GQ awards

He is not known for his dress sense, but Boris Johnson was presented with an award by style gurus Trinny and Susannah.

The Mayor of London was named Politician of the Year at the celebrity-packed GQ Men of the Year awards. Steve Coogan won Actor of the Year, and footballer Rio Ferdinand took the Editor's Special Award. James Corden of Gavin And Stacey fame was presented with the gong for Breakthrough Talent by his co-star and co-writer Ruth Jones.

Johnson appeared to have forgotten makeover presenter Susannah's name when he collected his award from the TV fashion queen, saying: "I can't tell you how much it means to me and all my associates at City Hall to receive this award from Trinny... and Susannah.

The award was from the "arbiters of male grooming for best dressed man of the year", he joked. Johnson added: "Last time I presented the award to Michael Howard for politician of the year and shortly afterwards he sacked me."

On arriving at the ceremony with his wife, the Mayor said: "I'm wearing a very fine suit made in Bombay."

TV chef Gordon Ramsay won Entrepreneur of the Year, presented by Liz Hurley. The fiery chef was recently beaten by his protege to the accolade of providing the best dining experience in London when Marcus Wareing, from the restaurant Petrus, took the crown.

Led Zeppelin won the Outstanding Achievement title, presented by Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, and Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans was named Radio Personality of the Year. Veteran crooner Tony Bennett won the Inspiration gong, and Mark Ronson the Alfred Dunhill Maverick Award, as a "gentleman of independent or non-conformist views or actions".

The night was hosted by singers Sir Elton John and Lily Allen and presenters included Carol Vorderman, who quit Countdown after being asked to take a 90% pay cut, actress Thandie Newton and Jerry Hall. Allen, wearing a stunning Dolce & Gabbana frock, slurped wine while presenting the ceremony and seemed a little worse for wear as the night went on. When the singer told the audience "now we reach a very special point in the evening", Sir Elton replied sarcastically: "What, you are going to have another drink?"

Allen told the star "f*** off Elton, I'm 40 years younger than you, I have my whole life ahead of me." Allen had also possibly had a little too much to drink when Bennett collected his Inspiration Award.

Sir Elton introduced the star saying that at 82 years of age he was "singing better than ever". Allen told the audience "I'll still f*** him," adding: "That was bad? I'll stick to the script."

Jazz singer Amy Winehouse was meant to present the award to Bennett, according to Allen, but cancelled. The troubled star was the butt of Sir Elton's jokes when he said: "Unfortunately Amy Winehouse couldn't be with us tonight but we will crack on."

Vorderman made her first public appearance since her shock departure from Countdown, chaperoned by comedy star Alan Carr. She said: "I'm just waiting and deciding what I am going to do," when she was asked about her future. On the shows declining viewing figures following her exit she said: "Oh I don't know what to say about that," before adding: "The viewers have been extremely loyal." The brainbox made light of her situation when she got on stage to present an award and told the audience: "Give us a job."

Five of this year's Olympic gold medallists were surprised guests at the awards ceremony. The awards were voted for by staff at GQ magazine.

2008 WINNERS (with presenters in brackets)

Outstanding Achievement - Led Zeppelin (Dave Grohl)

Inspiration - Tony Bennett (Elton John)

Lifetime Achievement Award - David Bailey (Jerry Hall)

Alfred Dunhill Maverick Award - Mark Ronson (Ricky Wilson)

Politician of the Year - Boris Johnson (Trinny and Susannah)

International Man of the Year - Josh Brolin (Thandie Newton)

Blackberry Entrepreneur of the Year - Gordon Ramsay (Elizabeth Hurley)

Band of the Year - Primal Scream (Elle Macpherson)

Radio Personality of the Year - Chris Evans (Will Young)

Chef of the Year - Mark Hix (Saffron Aldridge)

Most Stylish Man of the Year - Brandon Flowers (David Furnish)

Newspaper Editor of the Year - Peter Wright, Mail on Sunday (Piers Morgan by video)

Breakthrough Talent - James Corden (Ruth Jones)

Woman of the Year - Sam Taylor Wood (Daniel Craig by video)

TV Personality of the Year - James Nesbitt (Tracey Emin)

Fashion Designer - Christopher Bailey (Orlando Bloom)

Author of the Year - Joseph O'Neill (Carol Vorderman)

Actor of the Year - Steve Coogan (Rob Brydon)

Comedians of the Year - Mighty Boosh (Jamie Winstone)

Visionary - Sir Peter Blake (Dylan Jones)

Sportsman of the Year - Joe Calzaghe (video acceptance)

Editor's Special Award - Rio Ferdinand (video acceptance)