DAVID Bowie is being tipped for his first prize at the Brit Awards for almost two decades, with Arctic Monkeys and Ellie Goulding also expected to win.

Bowie, 67, leads the field to take the best British male award after his comeback last year with The Next Day, following an absence of 10 years. A win would make him the oldest recipient of a Brit Award, beating Sir Tom Jones, who was given an honorary prize in 2003, when he was 62.

Bowie is ranked at 1/3 by bookmaker William Hill to collect the title ahead of a John Newman, Jake Bugg, Tom Odell and James Blake.

William Hill puts Ellie Goulding in front to take the best British female prize, while Arctic Monkeys are the hot favourites for the best group prize.

Bowie is also nominated for the best British album although Arctic Monkeys lead the betting.

Chart-toppers One Direction appear to be a shoo-in for the best video prize for their single Best Song Ever.