Star Wars: The Last Jedi star Daisy Ridley has promised fans a “fun and emotional journey” in the latest instalment of the hit sci-fi franchise.

The British actress, who reprises her role as Rey in the much-loved series, braved the bracing winter air as she stepped onto a red carpet lined with stormtroopers for the film’s European premiere at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Tuesday.

Joking that she was “shivering with nerves,” she told the crowd: “It feels very exciting – London!

Star Wars: The Last Jedi European Premiere – London
Stormtroopers line the red carpet to celebrate Star Wars: The Last Jedi (Matt Crossick/PA)

“(The film) is an unexpected journey through time and space … hopefully a fun and emotional journey.”

She was joined at the event by co-star Mark Hamill, returning as Luke Skywalker, John Boyega as Finn and director Rian Johnson.

Veteran actor Anthony Daniels – who has played lovably fussy droid C-3PO in every Star Wars episode so far – also joined in the fun but had to stop himself from letting slip a spoiler about his character.

An excited Boyega introduced his parents to the crowd and said: “This is crazy, you lot, thank you so much, the love is appreciated.” His glowing father said that the pair were “very proud of him”.