Keira stays coy about Kaz

In Pride And Prejudice, a young lady dresses up in her finest frock for her big night out - and Keira Knightley did just the same when she wore a purple Matthew Williamson dress for the premiere of her new film.

In Jane Austen's novel, when a young woman of good breeding develops a fondness for a young gentleman, the very last thing she will do is admit it in public.

Thus it was that Miss Knightley - who is Elizabeth Bennet in the film - was more than happy to talk about her perfect Mr Darcy - Matthew MacFadyen in the film - but not so happy to say anything about the man with whom she has been linked in real life, Kaz James of the band Bodyrockers.

Knightley, 20, who recently split up from model boyfriend Jamie Dornan said at the Odeon, Leicester Square: "My perfect Mr Darcy would be romantic, but quite moody. It's the combination of romance and that little bit on moodiness that I find quite attractive."

But isn't Mr James her real Mr Darcy? " Who?" said Knightley, not entirely convincingly. She added: "I'm here with 25 friends and my brother, I guess he's my date. Is that sad?"

But a few minutes later James was spotted arriving at the Odeon, although all he said was: "I'm just here to see the movie." One of his close friends at the premiere was more than happy to put the record straight. "He's a good friend and I can tell you they're definitely together, despite what they may be saying."

Despite the rocker's apparent absence from the after show party, Keira managed to let her new hair extensions down, dancing bare foot.

When asked about the film Miss Knightley said: "She's one of the most beautiful characters in English literature and my favourite character. I asked my agent not to put me up for it I loved it so much."

MacFadyen declared himself unaffected by the success of his predecessor, Colin Firth. He said: "I grew up watching Colin Firth in films like Tumbledown. To be Mr Darcy after him puts me in very good company."