A big green ogre caused quite a stir in the British capital on Monday night, when Shrek 2 had its UK premiere. But it was a rather more "feline" visitor, namely Antonio Banderas, who received the biggest roar from the crowd.
The Spanish heart-throb, who plays a conniving Puss In Boots in the flick, was accompanied by his wife Melanie Griffith to the screening. Looking characteristically dashing in a sharp black suit and white t-shirt, the actor said he was delighted to be back in the city where he and Melanie tied the knot eight years ago.
"Being here is like being at home for me," he said. "After all I got married here and lived here for a year. I'm very surprised at the turnout – it's really touching."
Some of the UK's most glamorous parents brought their children along to join in the fun. Liam Gallagher and former All Saints singer Nicole Appleton arrived with their son Gene, while Meg Matthews was escorting her little girl Anais.
Other big names at the Leicester Square event included John Cleese, who plays King Harold, Rupert Everett and Julie Andrews. And the Sound of Music actress was clearly overjoyed her new film is proving so popular. "You never set out to make a flop," she said. "But it's been such a huge success – I'm delighted." Shrek 2 has already made over $200 million at the US box office and it looks set to take British cinemas by storm too.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
