Becoming Jane premiere has no leading lady

Sunday night saw the premiere of historical biopic Becoming Jane, which focuses on the relationship between Jane Austen and Tom Lefroy.

But although the leading man - played by James McAvoy - took to the red carpet with his real-life partner Anne-Marie Duff, Anne Hathaway, who plays the literary heroine, was nowhere to be seen.

"Ms Anne Hathaway is currently filming in British Columbia," McAvoy told Empire. "I'm sure she's away being brilliant somewhere."

According to her co-stars, the actress did a great deal of research into the role after shooting to fame in fashion-themed comedy The Devil Wears Prada.

"Anne was so committed to the part and she had done a great deal of homework," said Becoming Jane's director, Julian Jerrold, adding that although casting an American in such an iconic English role may have been risky, it was a chance they were willing to take.

"When people see the film I think they'll be convinced by it," he concluded.

The movie also stars Julie Walters and is due for release on March 9th 2007.

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