Bookies 'may not take Brits bets again'

A bookmaker has suggested that it may not take bets on the Brit Awards in the future because of fears that the winners' names are known in advance.

Earlier this week, Tote, Ladbrokes, Paddy Power and others stopped taking bets on Paul Weller winning the best British male solo artist award after a flurry of bets were placed on him with William Hill.

A spokesman for the bookmaker told The Sun: "It was our music department's worst night for years.

"It's highly unlikely we'll be betting on the Brits again as there is no doubt the results are circulating up to a week before."

He added that the pre-recorded interview for Weller suggested that some individuals had been tipped off about the award.

When the story emerged, a spokesperson for the Brits claimed that "every precaution" was taken to keep the results secret.