Brit Awards 2021 pushed back by three months

Image copyright Reuters Image caption Lewis Capaldi was one of the big winners of 2020's event

Next year's Brit Awards have been pushed back by three months to May, to have a better chance of staging a full live ceremony featuring big pop stars.

The 41st edition of the music awards show was due to take place in February, as usual, at London's O2 Arena.

But uncertainty around the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has prompted the music industry to delay it.

Organisers said they want "outstanding production levels, superstar performances and live excitement".

Geoff Taylor, chief executive of The Brits and industry body the BPI, said: "We believe that the best way to achieve this in 2021 is to move the show back a few months to May.

"We are already at work planning a spectacular event that will remind us how important music has been in getting us all through these difficult times."

Media captionStormzy and Lewis Capaldi duet at the Brits

The eligibility period for the awards will be altered, although music releases have continued during the pandemic.

Last year's ceremony featured performances from pop stars including Billie Eilish, Dave, Lewis Capaldi and Lizzo.

Follow us on Facebook, or on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts. If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk.