The MTV European Music Awards for the best UK & Ireland act has been a regional category since 1998 and have been won by 15 different acts The last Irish winners to win in this category was Westlife in 2000. In 2003 The Irish band, The Thrills were the last Irish nominees in the Category, although the category is still called "Best UK & Ireland Act". British boy band One Direction which includes an Irish member, Niall Horan won the Awards in 2012, 2013 & 2014. British girl group Little Mix, are currently the most awarded and nominated act and female group in this category, winning a of total six times out of seven nominations.