David Cameron cracks Wayne Rooney joke at GQ Men of the Year awards

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11 April 2012
The Weekender

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Prime Minister David Cameron swapped political barbs for showbiz quips as he picked up a gong at the GQ Men of the Year awards.

He was joined at last night's event at London's Royal Opera House by a host of stars including actress Gemma Arterton and Doctor Who actor Matt Smith who both collected awards.

Smith, 27, came out of the Tardis to receive his prize, presented by artist Tracey Emin, for best actor.

Quantum Of Solace and Capturing Mary star Arterton, 24, was named Woman of the Year at the ceremony, hosted by actor James Nesbitt.

In a light-hearted speech in front of guests, the PM took a jovial swipe at Wayne Rooney's recent troubles, his under-pressure communications chief and his own reputation as part of the "Brokeback" coalition.

Receiving the award for Politician of the Year from Sir David Frost, Mr Cameron apologised for not joining the guests for dinner.

But he brought good news in the shape of England's 3-1 win in Switzerland.

"Wayne Rooney has scored and this time it's on the pitch, in the opponent's goal, actually playing for his country so I'm pleased to announce that," Mr Cameron quipped.

The Prime Minister said he had doubts over whether to attend the event, given that he so recently became a father again.

"I said to Andy Coulson - we are still speaking - I said to Andy, 'Look, I've spent the last week with someone who can't communicate, dribbles uncontrollably and is attached to the bottle every half an hour and he said 'you'll fit in perfectly'," the Prime Minister said.

Before leaving the stage, Mr Cameron turned to Sir David and suggested they had one thing in common - both had films made about their lives.

"Yours was, of course, the very successful Frost/Nixon and mine was, of course, Brokeback Mountain," he joked, adding: "And on that note I'd like to actually share this with Nick Clegg because he had the bravery to do the right thing."

Among the stars who picked up awards was Mad Men's Jon Hamm, the US actor who plays suave womaniser Don Draper in the hit TV series. He won the prize for international man.

Dizzee Rascal was named best solo artist, James Corden best comedian, Heston Blumenthal took the chef prize, Martin Amis was best writer and Anish Kapoor was named this year's "cultural icon".
Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick won the breakthrough talent award.

Celebrities handing out awards included Martin Scorsese, Lily Allen, Emily Mortimer, Noel Gallagher, Mark Ronson, Sir David Frost, Michael McIntyre and Alexandra Burke.

:: The winners
International Man
Jon Hamm
Alfred Dunhill Cultural Icon
Anish Kapoor
Outstanding Achievement
Ray Davies
Woman
Gemma Arterton
Band
Gorillaz
Sportsman
Ryan Giggs
Politician
David Cameron
Designer
Giorgio Armani
Actor
Matt Smith
Solo Artist
Dizzee Rascal
Breakthrough Talent
Ed Westwick
Writer
Martin Amis
Newspaper Editor
Simon Kelner
Comedian
James Corden
Chef
Heston Blumenthal
Entrepreneur
Nick Jones
Editor's Special
Jason Statham
Smirnoff Black Most Stylish Man
Aaron Johnson

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