All smiles for Yorkshire actor at premiere

The Leeds-born actor takes on the role of Pinkie Brown in director Rowan Joffe's film version of the 1938 Graham Greene novel. It chart's the young gangster's violent decline, portrayed chillingly by a young Richard Attenborough in the original 1947 film.

But Riley is nothing if not willing to take on a challenge, having made his name with his acclaimed portrayal of Ian Curtis, the Joy Division lead singer, in the film Control, in 2007.

Joining him on the red carpet for last night's premiere at Leciester Square were the fast-rising Andrea Riseborough (a BAFTA nominee for the eponymous role in Margaret Thatcher: The Long Walk to Finchley) who plays Rose in Brighton Rock, and John Hurt, who takes on the role of Phil Corkery.

Oscar-winner Helen Mirren, who shimmered in a 1960s style gold dress and jokingly posed for photos on a moped, portrays Ida.