Star Wars: The Force Awakens London premiere - Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher join newcomers on red carpet

Director J. J. Abrams said he was struck every day while filming by how lucky he was to be working on the flim

(PA)

After the world premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in LA on Monday, the latest installment in the saga set in a galaxy far, far away has come to London for its European premiere.

Leicester Square was packed with fans, press and photographers and a live camera filmed exclusive interviews with the cast.

Director J. J. Abrams said he was struck every day while filming by how lucky he was to be working on the film.

Newcomer Daisy Ridley, who plays Rey, shouted out to fans on the red carpet: "May the force be with all of you."

Mark Hamill, who plays Luke Skywalker, said he was overwhelmed: "It never gets old, it's hard to believe the excitement after all of these years."

When asked how she felt about being at the premier, Carrie Fisher, who reprises her role as Princess Leia, 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."

Other stars of the film walking the red carpet included Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver, Lupita Nyong'o, Domhnall Gleeson and Gwendoline Christie.

Many fans arrived at the event in fancy dress, while others were handed red and blue lightsabers as they arrived.

The latest Star Wars film has already made UK box office history, selling more than half a million tickets for its opening week at one cinema chain alone.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens in UK cinemas on 17 December.

Additional reporting by Associated Press