Westlife top Smash Hits polls

Westlife are tipped to take the Christmas number one

Westlife have rounded off a record-breaking year by taking six of the top titles at one of pop's biggest award shows.

The Irish boy band, who this year became the first act to top the UK chart with each of their first seven singles, were presented with their awards in front of thousands of screaming teenage fans at the Smash Hits Poll Winners Party at London Arena.

The group scooped best band in the universe, best single for My Love, best non-British band and best album for their first release Westlife.

In addition, singers Kian Egan and Shane Filan picked up prizes in their own right - Filan being named most fanciable male and Egan picking up best haircut.

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The band could have more riches to come this month as they are also tipped to take the Christmas number one.

Their Smash Hits triumph came just a day after they picked up the Record Of The Year title for the second year running for the single My Love.

Last year the band took the title with their chart-topper, Flying Without Wings.

Other winners at the ceremony included their former joint manager Ronan Keating, who was named best-dressed male and best male solo star.

A leather-clad Ronan performed his hit Rollercoaster before picking up his awards, and telling the crowds: "I want to say a big thank you to you guys out there for voting for me."

But the singer could not celebrate too much as he was also chosen as worst-dressed person.

Rival contenders the Spice Girls followed their album flop Forever by picking up four of the most dubious honours, including worst group.

The Spice Girls picked up four of the most dubious honours

They got worst single for Holler and worst album for Forever, while Mel C was named most tragic haircut.

Robbie Williams was snubbed by pop fans who ranked him least-fancied person and Oasis star Liam Gallagher was named sad loser of the year.

One of the biggest cheers of the afternoon went to five-time Olympic gold winner Steve Redgrave when he collected the award for hero of the year.

The champion rower looked genuinely touched as he held up his latest Olympic gold medal next to the massive circular trophy and said: "This is very special and it makes this look very small."

Boy band Five picked up the best British band title for the third year on the run.

After thanking the audience the band could not resist plugging next year's album and tour.

Among the acts performing at the show were S Club 7, Kylie Minogue with her number-one single Spinnin' Around and Texas.

The awards are voted by readers of Smash Hits magazine.