The most controversial Brits moments ever from Jarvis Cocker's bum to Geri Halliwell's knickers

With flowing alcohol and controversial characters, the Brits used to be an exciting affair

Adele, 2012 Adele gave the finger after James Corden cut short her acceptance speech for British Album of the Year. Corden was under pressure from television producers worried about the show overrunning, who later apologised to the singer. Adele (Reuters)

Last year's Brits were watched on telly by a desultory 4.2 million, with the disappointing viewing figures underlining just how boring the awards have become.

But in the Brit Pop heyday the ceremony was a by word for the perils of live television, with a drunken Robbie Williams likely to start a brawl with Liam Gallagher.

Brit Awards 2015: Winners in full

Brits bosses are keeping their fingers crossed that tonight's ceremony - which includes a surprise addition to the bill in the form of Kanye West as well as Madonna's first Brits performance for 20 years and Taylor Swift - they’ll still be relying on auto-cue muck ups and offensive acceptance speeches to inject the ceremony with a bit more rock’n’r oll.

Ahead of tonight's event at the 02 Arena we look back at some of the most memorable moments from the Brit Awards, from John Prescott having a jug of water chucked in his face to Jarvis Cocker flashing his bum at Michael Jackson in protest.

Here's hoping Ant and Dec (who are presenting the awards for the first time since 2001) do something outrageous. Or failing that, Kanye has a good track record. Is Beck appearing?