One other sure thing is that when the first prize-winner is announced in March 2014, it won't be going to Hilary Mantel, as she doesn't have a book out this year that will be eligible.

BBC: Folio Prize seeks to make mark on literary landscape

The evening ended with the magic of Arab songs sung in Syrian-Armenian, by Lena Chamamyan, first prize winner in 2006 of music on Middle East Radio Monte-Carlo.

UNESCO: Sharjah Prize for Arab Culture

Football pundit Andy Gray is the only previous winner of both Professional Footballers' Association awards, scooping the twin-prize during his first stint with Aston Villa in 1977.

BBC: Kewell bidding for double honour