Top five UK films

1. About a Boy 2. Bend It Like Beckham 3. The Scorpion King 4. Roadkill 5. Ice Age

Helped by two days of previews at many cinemas, the film went straight to number one, taking �3,747,966 across 446 screens, displacing another British film, Bend It Like Beckham.

The British-Asian football film about a girl's struggle to play took �1,233,315 on 384 screens, taking its gross over three weeks to a healthy �6,443,981.

But it could not hold off the Hugh Grant-vehicle, showcasing a new harder edge for the former fop.

The film has benefited from a heavy advertising drive and cross-publicity with Badly Drawn Boy's soundtrack and Nick Hornby's novel.

Hostage drama

Teen thriller Roadkill - starring Steve Zahn and Leelee Sobieski - also opened strongly with �784,843 across 407 screens leaving it at number four.

Denzel Washington's hostage drama-cum-attack on the US healthcare system - John Q - enjoyed only a moderate opening at number seven.

Mexican cult road picture Y Tu Mama Tambien stays at number 12 despite showing on only 41 screens nationwide.

It continues the interest in Mexican movies since the surprise success of Amores Perros last year.