Steve Coogan said he was nervous about the screening

This is the first starring role for Coogan, who is best known for his alter egos Paul Calf and Alan Partridge.

The film was written and produced by Coogan and Henry Normal, co-writer on the BBC sit-com The Royle Family.

Speaking at the premi�re, Coogan told of the experience he had working on the film's character, the mishap-prone Simon Garden.

Neil Morrissey arrived with new girlfriend Georgina Hurford-Jones

He said: "It was nice to be able to do other things. The character of Simon has a lot of me in him and there are also elements of Alan Partridge in there too."

'No Brad Pitt'

"I know I am no Brad Pitt or Arnie, but I know my strengths and I play up to my inadequacies."

He said he was grateful for many of his friends turning out to support him.

Celebrity pal and funnyman Harry Enfield said: "I'm a massive fan of Steve.

"I gave him a little advice after Kevin and Perry Go Large, I told him not to worry if the critics attack it because they always do. What matters is bums on seats."

John Thompson is a close friend of Steve Coogan's

And One Foot in the Grave actor, Richard Wilson added: "Steve is a brilliant actor.

"All his stuff is great. I expect he is a bit nervous and I'm a bit nervous for him but he will have nothing to worry about."

Coogan was keen to tell fans they had not seen the last of spoof radio and television "personality" Alan Partridge.

"I have not killed him off, he is in cryogenics, I have frozen him but he will return," he promised.

Hugh Grant turned out to support the British-made film

Other stars attending the premiere included Men Behaving Badly star Neil Morrissey, Vanessa Feltz and Planet of the Apes star Helena Bonham Carter.

Girl group Atomic Kitten also turned out to support the film as their number one single Eternal Flame is taken from the soundtrack.