Astley: 'MTV nomination is a wind-up'

Rick Astley has dismissed his nomination for Best Act Ever at the MTV Europe Music Awards as "a wind-up".

Astley was a shock inclusion in the category alongside Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Green Day, Tokio Hotel and U2.

Speaking to the BBC, Astley expressed his surprise at picking up the nod, saying: "A bit of a shock that one, a bit weird, a bit off the scale. It's very odd, very bizarre. But you know what, pop music is bizarre."

Astley, who was the subject of online web craze 'Rickrolling' for his hit 'Never Gonna Give You Up' earlier this year, added that he is not contemplating winning the prize.

"I think it's a wind-up, to be honest," he commented. "I think someone's having a bit of a grin. I never took it too seriously when I was doing it and I don't take this seriously either."

The awards ceremony will take place at the Liverpool Echo Arena on November 6.