Young pop singer Lily Allen received a very public dressing down from industry veteran Sir Elton John last night as the pair hosted the GQ Men of the Year Awards.

In front of an audience comprising the crème of the entertainment world, the 23-year-old chart-topper sipped champagne on stage until she began slurring and swearing.

When Allen told the audience at London's Royal Opera House "now we reach a very special point in the evening", Sir Elton replied: "What, you are going to have another drink?"

Allen, dressed demurely in a full-length ball gown, responded: "F*** off Elton, I'm 40 years younger than you, I have my whole life ahead of me."

The 61-year-old superstar, watched by audience members including Gordon Ramsay, Thandie Newton and Elle MacPherson, then told her: “I could still snort you under the table.”

She replied: “F*** off. I don't know what you are talking about.”

Allen also indulged in a bout of boorish ad libbing as 82-year-old crooner Tony Bennett was awarded the Inspiration Award. Sir Elton introduced him, referencing his age, to which Allen interrupted: “I’ll still f*** him.”

She later announced that her brother, actor Alfie Allen, was engaged to Donkey Punch star Jamie Winstone. The high-profile pair had previously managed to keep their wedding plans private.

The singer’s display was watched by some of the music world’s biggest names, gathered to accept the GQ magazine’s annual gongs.

Led Zeppelin were given the Outstanding Achievement Award, after their much-lauded comeback concert last December, while producer de jour Mark Ronson was handed the Maverick Award.

Primal Scream were presented the gong for Band of the Year by Elle Machpherson and while accepting it, bass player Gary “Mani” Mounfield gave the audience a laugh. Looking at the six-foot-tall supermodel, he declared: “F****** hell, a giraffe in a dress. Nice one.”

Boris Johnson, shrugged off criticism of his dress sense at the Beijing Olympics, to front up to style gurus Trinny and Susannah who presented him with the award for Politician of the Year.

Other winners included chef Gordon Ramsay, who was named Entrepreneur of the Year, Gavin & Stacey actor James Corden, who picked up Breakthrough of the Year, and the Mighty Boosh, who were awarded Comedians of the Year.

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