Hopkins has date at movies

Sir Anthony Hopkins confirmed his relationship with new love Stella Arroyave as the couple enjoyed the limelight at the launch of his latest Hannibal Lecter blockbuster.

The veteran actor, whose divorce from his long-suffering second wife Jennifer became final in May, took the 46-year-old antiques dealer as his guest of honour to the premiere of Red Dragon.

The couple, who first publicly revealed their love for each other in June, headlined a packed celebrity turnout at last night's screening at Manhattan's Ziegfeld Theatre.

Hopkins looked in noticeably fit shape and younger than his 64 years, while his new partner appeared in a low-cut black dress. The Welsh-born Silence Of The Lambs star, who now bases himself in Los Angeles, was regularly linked to other women during his 29-year relationship with his former wife.

Her desire to continue living in Britain, where she is involved in charity work, was said to a factor in their decision to split up.

Friends claim his new partner has given him a stability that his life has previously lacked. Hopkins's elderly mother Muriel has already given her blessing to his romance with Miss Arroyave, who is thought to have South American roots and lives in Pacific Palisades.

Red Dragon - a prequel to the Oscar-winning original - sees Hopkins starring opposite Ralph Fiennes in what he says will be his final outing as flesh-eating Lecter.

While Hollywood producers are keen to produce yet further lucrative sequels, he recently said: "I won't do any more. Three is enough.''

Other guests at the premiere included Harvey Keitel and Ed Norton. Chelsea Clinton made a surprise appearance with boyfriend Ian Klaus.

Red Dragon is set for release in the UK on 14 October.