Rita shows some backbone at fashion awards

On stage in London’s West End, she plays a washed-up silent film actress in Sunset Boulevard.

But nicole Scherzinger was the picture of Hollywood glamour at the British Fashion Awards last night – in a vampy corseted ballgown. The former Pussycat Doll, 45, stood out on the red carpet in the billowing green satin and black tulle dress – with fellow guests opting for slinkier numbers, despite the winter cold. Singer Rita Ora, 33, wore what looked like a classic, figure-hugging dress to the Royal Albert Hall event. But when she turned around, she showed off large dinosaur-style spikes stuck to her skin and running down her spine.

Gwyneth Paltrow, 51, wore a scarlet floorlength Valentino dress with a feathery coat thrown over her shoulders, while Gillian Anderson, 55, also opted for red in a plunging, draped velvet gown. Lily James, 34, wore a navy halter neck number with a cutout panel on the torso, while Jodie Comer, 30, went for a simple tailored mini dress.

An animal rights activist also walked on to the red carpet to protest against the industry’s use of leather, but was swiftly dealt with by security guards.