Star Wars newcomer Daisy Ridley is ready for the Dark Side in an exquisite galaxy print gown as she and red carpet veteran Harrison Ford lead the European premiere of The Force Awakens
- 1,000 wrist bands given out for fans to see favourite stars including Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford
- Trio are returning to saga and were joined by newcomers Daisy Ridley and John Boyega in Leicester Square
- Benedict Cumberbatch, Stephen Fry and Simon Pegg also made appearances, alongside star guests Noel Gallagher, Brooklyn and Romeo Beckham, as well as Felicity Jones
- See more of the latest news updates from the London premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens
From Obi Wan to Ewoks, Star Wars fans have come dressed for the occasion as they queue up for The Force Awakens premiere in London.
But none of the attendees were more hotly-anticipated than the all-star cast of the film, which ranged from newcomer Daisy Ridley in stunning black to film franchise veteran Harrison Ford.
Leading lady Daisy, 23, - who plays Rey in the seventh installment - blew the red carpet competition out of the water with her on-point outfit choice, which was both Dark Side-black and glittering with an out-of-this-world print.
Scroll down for video
Red carpet ready: Newcomer Daisy Ridley, who plays Rey in the movie, lead the Leicester Square premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens for the European premiere of the movie on Wednesday night
Just 1,000 wrist bands were given out for fans to see their favourite stars including Harrison, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill, who are returning to the saga after starring in the original trilogy, will join British newcomer John Boyega in Leicester Square.
Daisy shouted out to her fans on the red carpet, saying: 'May the force be with all of you.' as she explained her excitement about being in London for the premiere, saying: 'It's particularly special because I'm from London, it's good to be home'.
Actor Harrison, who reprises his role as intrepid traveller and smugger Han Solo, said 'it feels good' to be back, adding when asked if he had a message for fans: 'I hope they enjoy the movie. I think it's a worthy effort. I'm very proud of it, thank you.'
Ridley, 23, poses next to a stormtrooper on the red carpet for the European premiere of the hotly anticipated movie
Win the style war in a gown by Roland Mouret
Oh yes. The European premiere of Star Wars is in full swing tonight and we couldn't be more excited.
The Force is awake and in London ladies and you know what that means. Not just Storm Troopers, Harrison Ford and Chewbacca, but one of our favorite new style stars Daisy Ridley too.
The British actress has been winning our hearts with her very cool taste over the last few weeks wearing looks by Mary Katrantzou, Chanel, Chloé, Christian Dior and Giambattista Valli. Phew, what a roll call.
And she didn't let us down tonight. Daisy looks beautiful and Audrey Hepburn-esque in this wonderful gown by Roland Mouret. We love the gathered organza skirt paired with the sexy cut outs and embellished bodice. Quite simply it's red carpet perfection!
This dress is bespoke so isn't available online but click (right) to buy a similar one shouldered dress from Mouret's ready-to-wear collection. Or go for glitz with embellishment in our edit below.
Returning: Ford joins other original cast members Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher in Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Line up: Stormtroopers and Darth Vader pose for cameras on the red carpet for the UK premiere of one of the most anticipated movies this century
Arrival: Stormtroopers walk across the red carpet at a packed Leicester Square tonight ahead of the premiere of 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'
Mobbed: Star Wars actor Harrison Ford signed autographs on the red carpet - he said he felt no nostalgia when he returned to the role of Han Solo for the first time in more than 30 years
The world's stage: Daisy was more out-of-this-world than anything when she arrived at the red carpet premiere
Join a conga: The brunette certainly didn't seem to want the night to end, saying that it was particularly special to have the European premiere in London
On the red carpet, director JJ Abrams said it is an 'enormous relief' that fans were finally going to finally see the film.
Abrams, who directed, wrote and co-produced the film, was talking to red carpet presenter Jim Chapman, saying it was an 'incredible honour to be here with this remarkable reception'.
Perhaps the biggest delight was the stars however, as Abrams said he was struck every day while filming by how lucky he was to be working on the movie.
Abrams praised newcomers Daisy and also John Boyega, saying: 'These are two incredible actors, watching them together is amazing.'
Boyega, who plays Finn in the new movie, was the man of the moment, looking sharp in a dark blue suit and bow tie, grinning from ear to ear with excitement at being in London.
Making the most of it: As the newest star of the film franchise, the 23-year-old seemed to be soaking it up with vigour
Animated: The actress was revelling in her red carpet moment, clearly excited and waving about her hands
Pose-perfect: The leading lady, who plays Rey in the film, showed off her slight shape as she shined
Following her lead: Gwendoline Christie wasn't far behind Daisy, in a similarly dark gown
Rocking the red carpet: The blonde shone in a sparkling bodice, which was set off by a long and flowing train
Out of this world: Lupita Nyong'o was wearing a striking blue lipstick with her hair up and off her face
Stealing the show: 12 Years A Slave actress Lupita enjoyed yet another moment of glory with her part in this film
Owning it: She added metallic heels to the image to make her strut all the more convincing
Stealing the show: The star, who takes the part of Maz Kanata in this film, proved she wasn't going to go unnoticed
'I'm a boy from Peckham and I'm in a Star Wars movie,' he enthused to vlogger Jim Chapman on the red carpet, adding later: 'I'm here to celebrate, dammit.'
A group of stormtroopers from the First Order opened the red carpet.
The first 'stars' of the film to arrive were droids R2-D2 and C-3PO, who ambled down the red carpet taking in the scenery.
The newest droid in the Star Wars family, BB-8, got a cheer from fans as it rolled down the red carpet.
BB-8 is one of the highlights of the new movie and is sure to gain a legion of fans.
Actor Warwick Davis, who starred in a few of the earlier Star Wars films and the latest one, could not resist posing for a selfie with BB-8 on the red carpet.
Giddy: The cast, including Lupita Nyong'o, Warwick Davis, Gwendoline Christie, J.J. Abrams, Lawrence Kasdan, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Kathleen Kennedy, Max von Sydow, Peter Mayhew and John Boyega, were certainly entertained by Gary, Carrie Fisher's dog
Come to mama: Carrie called on her dog to make sure the pup was ready for the group shot
Who's the lead character now? Gary The Dog had pride of place in the group, inside Odeon Leicester Square
Make yourself at home: Returning actress Carrie Fisher brought along her dog Gary for the red carpet appearance
Kooky: She said on the night that she had never felt more relaxed during a red carpet appearance
Oh the glamour: From top to toe, the actress was a vision in black silk and glitter details
Back home: Asked how she felt about being at the premiere, she said: 'I've never felt more relaxed in my life. I feel relaxed, as I said, and I come here to just be myself and feel real.'
Too cute: Her red carpet counterpart wasn't exactly the most orthodox of guests
Working it: Her dress followed her faithfully in a long, sweeping train that gathered around her feet
Polished: Gwendoline's neckline was high to complement her short and sharp hairdo
Veteran: Mark Hamill made his triumphant return to the red carpet on Wednesday night
Show of support: Luke Skywalker actor Mark was surrounded by his girls Marilou York (right) and daughter Chelsea (left)
While celebrity attendees including David Beckham's eldest boys Brooklyn and Romeo - who unveiled their closet superfan status - along with television personality Myleene Klass stopped for their selfies with the Stormtroopers.
It was a rather unorthodox red carpet counterpart that gained American actress Carrie Fisher some extra attention on the night, even so.
Carrie, who reprises her role as Princess Leia, brought along her French bulldog, Gary, and couldn't help but make a spectacle of the adorable canine as she hit the spotline.
Asked how she felt about being at the premiere, she said: 'I've never felt more relaxed in my life. I feel relaxed, as I said, and I come here to just be myself and feel real.'
Mark Hamill, who plays Luke Skywalker, said he was overwhelmed, explaining: 'It never gets old, it's hard to believe the excitement after all of these years.'
Black beauty: Actress Felicity Jones opted for classic black as she attended the red carpet premiere
Stars of the show: Even R2-D2 (left) and C3PO (right) were making the most of the red carpet that night
Ready to rock and roll! Star Wars newbie John Boyega was looking pretty sharp for his appearance
Everyone wants a word: The star was lapping up all of the red carpet attention from baiting fans
Darth Vader leads stormtroopers down the red carpet - the movie had its world premiere last night and has received hugely positive reviews
Formidable figure: The most notorious movie villain of all time no doubt incited a touch of old-fashioned fear in the hearts of the 1,000 fans lined up along the red carpet at London's Leicester Square
He also said he had a 'very special affinity' for London, revealing his son was born here while he filmed The Empire Strikes Back.
Benedict Cumberbatch, Stephen Fry and Simon Pegg are also expected to make appearances for the European premiere of Star Wars Episode VII.
Actor Peter Mayhew, who plays Han Solo's sidekick, Chewbacca, said being at the premiere was 'absolutely wonderful', adding: 'We've had a great weekend, we were in Los Angeles last night and we're here in London tonight, what more could anybody ask for?'
Star Wars creator George Lucas, who created the franchise in 1977, expressed his delighted at seeing the franchise come home to Britain's capital this week.
He told red carpet host Alex Zane: 'All of the premieres have always been in London. It's like coming home to an event we've done for the last 40 years but this was the biggest by far.'
Newcomers: Director JJ Abrahams described Daisy and John as a joy to work with on the film
Proud man: British star Simon Pegg looked cool in a threaded suit and seemed pleased as punch with the invite
Warwick Davis arrives on the red carpet tonight - he appeared as 'Wicket' in the Return of the Jedi which was released in 1983
Warwick Davis on the red carpet - prior to the Return of the Jedi movie, had no previous acting experience and was cast only after his grandmother discovered an open call for dwarfs for the film
Causing a stir: Dressed in his all-black garb, Darth Vader led the charge of dozens of white Stormtroopers down the red carpet, cutting a swathe of fear and exciting the hundreds of keen fans lined up either side.
Causing a stir: The Stormtroopers certainly seemed to have caught the attention of one, Myleene Klass (centre)
Brought to a standstill: The television personality seemed to have caught the giggles from the red carpet counterparts
Who's this? Later, Carrie couldn't resist posing with the Stormtroopers - obviously alongside Gary
Posing up: Gary was obviously taken aback by his owner's behaviour on the red carpet and looked a little distracted
New date? Carrie treated the Stormtroopers as if they'd be a better date for the occasion
Closet superfans: David Beckham's boys Romeo (left) and Brooklyn (right) proved their super-fan status
Brothers: The two eldest Beckham boys hung out together on the night, joining in the with A-listers
It's without a doubt the biggest movie event of the year, but Wednesday night saw not just the cast fans of the movie franchise turn up in their droves, of course decked out in their finest costumes to see the stars.
But leading the charge early in the evening, ahead of the A-list stars, were the Stormtroopers joined by cinema's most notorious movie villain, Darth Vader.
Dressed in his all-black garb, he led the charge of dozens of white Stormtroopers down the red carpet, cutting a swathe of fear and exciting the hundreds of keen fans lined up either side.
Chewbacca was also seen strutting his furry stuff, along with Tusken Raiders and Jawas, and a man clad in Adam Driver's Sith Lord Kylo Ren costume.
London's huge event marks the second premiere for the cast of Star Wars Episode VII: on Sunday they stepped out for the world premiere in Hollywood at the Dolby, El Capitan, and TCL Theatres.
Making her arrival: The brunette was wearing a glamorous sparkling jumpsuit for the occasion
Also on the guestlist: Benedict Cumberbatch and his wife Sophie Hunter stopped by to watch
Night out: The new parents were enjoying a night off from their parenting duties
That's a new look: C-3PO actor Anthony Daniels was looking rather different than fans will know him
Selfie stick: Warwick Davis (left) and George Lucas (right) held a one-to-one on his camera phone
Fancy seeing you here! R2-D2 actor Kenny Baker (left) shook hands with filmmaker George
Supporting act: George's wife Mellody Hobson (right) was there by his side on Wednesday night
The world's stage: The couple couldn't have anticipated the hysteria surrounding the European event
Cute duo: Noel Gallagher brought along model daughter Anais for the red carpet occasion
Flying solo: Helen McCrory was without husband Damian Lewis that evening
Bright and beautiful: She was looking bold in a bright feathered jacket
The film has already made UK box office history, selling more than half a million tickets for its opening week at one cinema chain alone.
Director JJ Abrams is expected at the premiere along with Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver, Domhnall Gleeson and Gwendoline Christie.
English actors Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker, who play C-3P0 and R2-D2, were also set to appear, as is actor Warwick Davis and robot BB-8.
The entire cast and director were seen heading from Los Angeles to the British capital on an impressive plane, the airliner kitted out to resemble R2-D2, the fuselage and cockpit painted in the blue pattern of the beloved droid.
Earlier in the day, Star Wars fans were dressed up for the occasions, with a veritable mixture of Obi Wans and Ewoks, queuing up for The Force Awakens premiere.
Warwick Davis prepares to take a selfie of him with the BB-8 droid - he also posed for pictures with the fans, saying: 'I'm out here where the most important people are - the fans'
Unlike the robots in previous films in the series, the droid is portrayed by a real remote-controlled robot rather than an actor or a puppet
British actor Peter Mayhew, who plays Chewbecca in the movies, attends the opening of the European Premiere of 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'
These two: J.J. Abrams and George Lucas proved they have a playful relationship
Making their entrance: People dressed up as Kylo Ren (left), Chewbacca (centre) and Jawas (right) filtered down the packed red carpet
Lady in red: Carrie Fisher changed into a glamorous red dress for The Force Awakens afterparty at Tate Britain
Who's been a good boy? Gary the French bulldog made himself comfortable on a shocking pink throw
Quick change: Daisy swapped her dramatic dress for another fashion-forward look, complete with leopard print heels
A head above: Gwendoline Christie towered over Anthony Daniels, who played the franchise's famous C-3PO
Feeling blue: Game of Thrones star Gwendoline looked glamorous in a flowing navy evening gown
Individual: Fashion designer Giles Deacon made a statement with a polka-dot scarf and bright patterned shirt
Party time: The Tate Britain hosted The Force Awakens afterparty and looked spectacular swathed in an indigo light
Under the spotlight: Criss-crossing clear lights made for a futuristic set up inside the Tate Britain
Return of the Jedi: Mark Hamill swapped Luke Skywalker's light robes for a black suit with a dickie bow at the afterparty
Suits you, sir: Artist Damien Hirst wore a black suit as he accompanied a stunning guest to the bash
Feeling tired: It looked like the excitement of the occasion was too much for Dermot as he let out a large yawn
Dressed to impress: Violinist Linzi Stoppard wore an intricately detailed nude and navy dress
Star Wars fans were packed into Leicester Square tonight ahead of the UK premiere of the latest film in the Star Wars franchise
Armed: Merck Zekai, who is dressed Obi-Wan Kenobi, queues with a lightsaber in Leicester Square ahead of the Episode VII premiere today
Capturing the moment: A Star Wars fan takes a selfie with another dressed as an Ewok in London before The Force Awakens premiere
Crowds were squeezed into Leicester Square to take pictures - the size and scale is a reflection of the enduring popularity of the sci-fi saga
Excited: A Star Wars fan dressed as Yoda stands behind a cardboard cutout of Han Solo in London's West End before tonight's premiere
Builders working in Leicester Square peaked their heads out to see what all the excitement was about at the UK premiere
Film enthusiasts, one kitted out in a Chewbacca costume, wait to spot members of the cast at the European Premiere of Star Wars
Matt Jenner, of Tunbridge Wells, Kent, dressed as an Ewok for the premiere he is attending with his girlfriend Emilie Ayling.
He said: 'Last time there was a premiere I dressed as Darth Vader. I am a massive fan - every time I film comes out I am here.
'But no one has ever seen my face. My favourite character is Luke Skywalker.'
Merich Zekai watched all six films ahead of the premiere. He is attending dressed as Obi-Wan Kenobi but the main thing on his mind is Luke Skywalker.
Mr Zekai said: 'I can't wait to see the film, but I really want to know what's happened to Luke.
'Luke hasn't been in any of the posters and I wonder if he's become a baddie.'
Steve Dixon and his son Liam, from Swindon, Wiltshire, were in the queue to join a fan pen, and Mr Dixon said he hoped to see his favourite actor Ford.
A Star Wars fan in a Kylo Ren costume at the UK premiere of one of the most eagerly anticipated films of the decade
Everybody's there! Even the Tusken Raiders got a look-in as they wielded their weapons for the lightsaber-holding fans
Just 1,000 wrist bands were given out for fans to see their stars and they dressed as their favourite characters, such as Yoda
Characters in costume, including Chewbacca (centre) stride down the red carpet for the seventh installment in the Star Wars franchise
Star Wars fans stand armed with their lightsabers - Disney paid more than £2.6bn for the rights to the hugely popular franchise
Star Wars fans were packed into both sides of the red carpet tonight, waiting to catch a glimpse of their favourite stars
Leicester Square is crammed with Star Wars fans, many of whom arrived in the hours early to secure a place near the red carpet and a close-up view of the stars
Darth Vader received a loud cheer as he strutted down the red carpet in Leciester Square, followed by stormtroopers
Heckle: From behind, Gwendoline Christie seemed to heckle the crowds as they all stood together
Kodak moment: Stephen Fry planted a kiss on Carrie Fisher as he joined James Blunt for a group shot
Cutie: But he didn't realise he was being terribly entertaining on the stage
Skywalker: Trafalgar Square was lit up with a giant Lightsabre that loomed over the whole of central London
Impressive: London welcomed the Star Wars franchise into its heart for one night only
Lightsabres: Blue lights decorated the Christmas scene in the middle of central London
Leicester Square was abuzz with excitement as fans waited hours to see their stars on the red carpet for the European premiere of the film
Ewok selfie: Just 1,000 wrist bands were dished out for fans to join in the fun on the red carpet in London's West End tonight
Coffee and coats to keep warm: People camp in Leicester Square ahead of the London premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Dressed up: The seventh instalment in the Star Wars movie series comes ten years after the last film and reunites the original trio
Prepared: British fans with tickets in the UK will get a head start over devotees in the US, where the movie is not released until Friday
Anticipation: Star Wars fans queue for a position on the red carpet at Leicester Square ahead of the European premiere tonight
Mr Dixon said: 'My son has never been to a premiere so I thought I'd bring him along.'
He admitted he is not a 'massive' Star Wars fan but loved going to premieres. The pair were decked-out head-to-toe in Star Wars merchandise.
Security remained tight as the set was being put together for the premiere of the movie, which is set for general release tomorrow.
Fans were having their bags searched and the presence of police was strong around the giant awnings and huge red carpet.
The film's Hollywood premiere on Monday saw an army of Stormtroopers on the red carpet, while fans camped out ahead of the first public screening.
British fans with tickets for the first UK screenings will get a head start over devotees in the US, where the movie is not released until Friday.
Extensive ticket sales: The film - which is set for general release on Thursday - has already made UK box office history
Stars: The director is expected at the premiere along with a host of other actors including Daisey Ridley (left) and John Boyega (right)
Stormtroopers: Star Wars creator George Lucas has already seen the new movie (above) and has reportedly given it his seal of approval
- Let's all get #ELFED! Family recreate hilarious festive rap
- Angela Ramey sinks half-court shot and promptly goes nuts
- Pimple bursting doctor Sandra Lee becomes a 'POP star'!
- Incredible footage shows a Toad eating a Snake alive!
- Video supposedly shows Martin Shkreli rejecting 'FBI call'
- Anna Duggar speaks out for the first time since Josh scandal
- Heroic cop jumps onto side of moving truck to make arrest
- Jimmy Kimmel reads Dr Seuss-style book to Donald Trump
- Man takes selfie video of scary narrow cliff Trail
- Yale students willingly sign 'petition' to repeal First Amdt
- Graphic footage shows rats being prepared to eat in China
- Steven Fernandez posts videos of his fans on Instagram
- SHAMED AT LAST: AIDS-drug gouger Martin Shkreli is marched...
- From a crocodile biting off more than he can chew to a woman...
- Man imprisoned for 28 YEARS after woman dreamed that he...
- Boston Marathon bombing survivor, 37, dies suddenly just two...
- EXCLUSIVE: It's an iconic image from the War on Terror - but...
- Queen of excess? Struggling Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer under...
- 'I felt the need to be extreme': Smartly-dressed MBA...
- YouTube star, 15, and his manager arrested after allegedly...
- Woman dies after she was stabbed by smart 'MBA graduate' who...
- San Bernardino terrorist's friend is charged with plotting...
- NBA star's slur on women as he claims most WNBA players are...
- Saudi millionaire cleared of raping teenager after telling...
To all the miserable lot commenting, if this countr...
by Suit you Sir 900