Daldry marries long-term love

Daldry at the Baftas with two stars of Billy Elliot

Stephen Daldry, who directed the hit movie Billy Elliot has confirmed that he has married his long-term partner, Lucy.

The 41-year-old former artistic director of the Royal Court Theatre said he had married Lucy in a ceremony in New York in September.

He said the pair were "delighted", but he declined to give any further details about the wedding.

The ceremony was believed to have taken place at the New York City Hall in the days following the 11 September attacks on the World Trade Centre, according to agency reports.

Daldry: Came top in theatre-goers' poll

Daldry won worldwide acclaim for the 2000 film Billy Elliot, about the son of a tough miner who longs to become a ballet dancer.

He was nominated for an Oscar for the film at this year's ceremony in Hollywood.

His latest film, The Hours, stars Australian actress Nicole Kidman.

In June, Daldry was voted the favourite to take over as director of the National Theatre in a poll by the website Whatsonstage.

Hytner: new director of the National Theatre

He was favoured by 45% of theatregoers to succeed Trevor Nunn in the role.

In the event, it was Hytner who got the job - the 45-year-old is due to take over at the National for five years from April 2003.

Hytner said on hearing of his appointment: "I'm thrilled by the challenge of leading the National and of working with a company of outstandingly creative people whom I've loved and admired for many years."