Co-stars Joely Richardson and Shane Richie posed for the cameras

The actor, who plays TV landlord Alfie Moon, arrived at the London screening with co-star Joely Richardson.

Richie, who was supported by a host of soap co-stars including Steve McFadden and Kacey Ainsworth, invested more than �500,000 in the 1930s drama.

"I've put my money where my mouth is and I just hope the public want to go and see it," said Richie.

McFadden arrived accompanied by girlfriend and EastEnders co-star Lucy Benjamin. He was still sporting his arm in a sling as he recovers from a shoulder operation.

Steve McFadden arrived with girlfriend Lucy Benjamin

Other guests at the premi�re included Chris Parker, who plays Richie's on-screen brother Spencer, and Charlie Brooks who stars as troublemaker Janine.

In the movie Richie features as a nightclub owner who falls in love with a jazz singer, played by Richardson.

Early reviews have not been kind, with the Times calling it a "a lamentable vanity project" and naming it "a strong contender for the worst film of the decade".