Gorillaz lead MTV Europe charge

Six nominations: Gorillaz released first single in 2001

Virtual pop stars Gorillaz - who recently walked away from a possible Mercury prize - have been nominated six times for this year's MTV Europe Awards, which take place in November.

They lead the field for nominations - ahead of U2, Eminem, Dido, Craig David and Limp Bizkit who all have four nominations each.

Craig David: Four nominations

No Spice Girls were nominated - nor former Ginger Spice Geri Halliwell - but Robbie Williams picked up two nominations.

Hear'Say, winners of TV series Popstars, were also left in the cold.

Cartoon characters

The rise of Gorillaz, formed by Blur frontman Damon Albarn and illustrator Jamie Hewlett, has been remarkable.

The group, who appear as cartoon characters in their videos, are in the running for the titles of best group, dance act and new act.

Ali G launched the awards in London

They have also been nominated for their song Clint Eastwood and for the video of the same track - as well as for a new category, best website.

The Artful Dodger, Craig David, Feeder, S Club 7 and Sugababes were all nominated in the category of best UK and Ireland act.

Innuendos

The award ceremony in Frankfurt, Germany on 8 November will be hosted by TV character Ali G, who spoke at the event's launch in London.

After removing a fake white fur coat, he delivered a speech full of usual malapropisms and innuendos.

"I is very honoured to be hosting these awards for MTV which I believe is the bestest channel in the whole world," he said.

The Europe-wide awards are in their eighth year and have become one of the most respected events in the pop calendar.