Madonna falls off runway during live Brit Awards performance

Pop queen Madonna has suffered a spectacular fall during a performance at the Brit Awards in London.

Donned in a long black cloak and high heels, the 56-year-old star fell backwards off a staircase during a performance of her song 'Living for Love'.

It appears the singer's cloak was tugged by one of her back-up dancers who was dressed as a minotaur.

The cape was supposed to be easily removed, but pulled the star performer along with it instead.

The seasoned musician dropped her microphone and missed some of the song's lyrics entirely, but ever the professional she got up after a brief delay and sang the well-timed lyrics, "I've gotta carry on," albeit with a noticeably shaky voice.

The performance was her first at the Brit Awards in 20 years, the annual pop music awards in Britain.

Held at the O2 Arena in London, the singer known affectionately as "Madge" was delivering the show's closing performance.

The fall triggered an instant reaction on social media where users commented on the spectacle.

"I will be laughing about this tomorrow still," one person tweeted.

"Seriously though, well done Madonna for getting back up and finishing her performance!" another wrote.

The star took to Instagram to thank her supporters shortly after the show.

"Armani hooked me up!" she wrote. 

"My beautiful cape was tied too tight! But nothing can stop me and love really lifted me up! 

"Thanks for your good wishes! I'm fine!", she posted.