Stormzy struggles to read his notes as he’s forced to wear sunglasses on stage after painful injury...

STORMZY delivered a touching acceptance speech at The BRITs and revealed his sunglasses-clad look was for serious, rather than stylish, reasons.

The Blinded By Your Grace hitmaker took to the stage donning his snazzy accessory after scooping the award for the best British Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act.

Croydon-born Stormzy, 31, arrived to pick up his gong in a white T-Shirt, nude trousers and a matching gilet.

The Vossip Pop vocalist addressed his painful health concern as he spoke to the crowds and said: "This is a mad funny time for me to win an award for bare reasons.

"Sorry I'm wearing shade as well because I've mashed up my eye playing padel.

"I've got a very sore eye. I've got a bruised cornea.

"My eye's sore under here, I'm not being a mad man with shades on inside."

Stormzy then read out a quote from Psalms 138 verse 8 as he insisted God had more work for him.

He is in good company with his hobby of choice, with Padel being one of the nation's fastest-growing sports.

The racket-based game is similar to tennis and played on a smaller, walled court.

Stormzy is clearly a huge fan, even joining forces with the London-based Padel Social Club as a partner and investor.

He previously said of the sport: "What really stood out to me about Padel Social Club is that they’re doing more than just building courts - they’re creating a community and bringing people together through the sport.

"That’s why I’m excited to be part of this journey.

"This is just the beginning. Big things are coming.”

BUTT OF THE JOKE

It was a mixed BRITs awards for Stormzy, who found himself the target of a ribbing from host Jack Whitehall.

The 36-year-old caused controversy with his jokes at the chaotic ceremony.

One of his first bits of banter was about Stormzy as he poked fun at claims the rapper has sold out after teaming up with a fast food brand.

He said: "Ladies and gentlemen, do we have any Vossi Bopper's in the house?

"In the 90s, you'd find your rappers doing drive-bys; this one you can find at the drive-thru - nominated for two Brit Awards this evening - we didn't send him a limo tonight, we 'deliverooed' him here, it's Stormzy.

"The grime scene's Ronald McDonald. He's loving it."