Hugh's mad about a boy

Hugh Grant has lost his floppy fringe and abandoned Notting Hill for the rather grittier environs of Clerkenwell.

The 41-year-old actor moves into unfamiliar territory to play a cynical slacker in his latest film About A Boy, an adaptation of Nick Hornby's best-selling novel. Unlike his usual characters, frequently described as foppish, this fashionable fellow's wardrobe is full of cutting-edge labels like Vexed Generation, Spiewak and Paul and Joe.

Grant plays Will, a rich, child-free, irresponsible man who, in search of a woman, invents an imaginary son and starts attending single-parent meetings.

As a result, he meets Marcus, an awkward 12-year-old boy with problems at home and at school.

They become friends and, as Will teaches Marcus how to be cool, Marcus helps Will grow up. Naturally, Will also finds romance along the way.

It was filmed last summer in London and is co-produced by Working Title Films, which was behind Bridget Jones's Diary.

Grant agreed to star as soon as he was offered the part. "It was right up my alley - very strong source material that was funny, sad and set in England," he said.

The film also stars Toni Collette (Muriel's Wedding) as Marcus's mother, Rachel Weisz (Enemy At The Gates) as Will's love interest and newcomer Nicholas Hoult as Marcus.