Co-stars back Richie's film debut

Co-stars Joely Richardson and Shane Richie posed for the cameras

EastEnders star Shane Richie was in Leicester Square for the première of his debut film Shoreditch on Thursday.

The actor, who plays TV landlord Alfie Moon, arrived at the London screening with co-star Joely Richardson.

Richie, who was supported by a host of soap co-stars including Steve McFadden and Kacey Ainsworth, invested more than £500,000 in the 1930s drama.

"I've put my money where my mouth is and I just hope the public want to go and see it," said Richie.

McFadden arrived accompanied by girlfriend and EastEnders co-star Lucy Benjamin. He was still sporting his arm in a sling as he recovers from a shoulder operation.

Steve McFadden arrived with girlfriend Lucy Benjamin

Other guests at the première included Chris Parker, who plays Richie's on-screen brother Spencer, and Charlie Brooks who stars as troublemaker Janine.

In the movie Richie features as a nightclub owner who falls in love with a jazz singer, played by Richardson.

Early reviews have not been kind, with the Times calling it a "a lamentable vanity project" and naming it "a strong contender for the worst film of the decade".