Stars attend gangster film gala

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50 Cent and Ashley Cole talk about Dead Man Running

Rapper and actor 50 Cent joined football stars Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Cole at the London premiere of Dead Man Running, which they co-financed.

Cole - married to X Factor judge Cheryl- said he never thought he would see his name on a film's credits.

Ferdinand backed the film on the basis that work for disadvantaged children was generated through the project.

50 Cent's co-star, Brenda Blethyn, said her street cred has "gone through the roof" since appearing with the star.

'Hat-trick'

Actor Danny Dyer, who also appears in the film, said the England footballers' backing was helpful, but they maintained a distance.

"They were great because they've given us publicity and that's all a film needs."

England stars Ashley Cole (l) and Rio Ferdinand (r) with actor Tamer Hassan

"They didn't get involved because they don't understand it.

"You know, I'm not going to tell them how to play football so they weren't going to start telling us how to make a film," he added.

Oscar-nominated star Blethyn said: "It made no difference to the way the film was made, it just meant that it got made at all and I'm grateful to them for that. How's that for a hat-trick for you?"

Manchester United star Ferdinand added that their involvement would have long-term benefits for young people.

"Now they're going to be involved in future projects so it's going to be a win-win situation for everybody involved."

Other famous faces who turned out for the Leicester Square premiere included Spice Girl Mel B and singer Jamelia.

Dead Man Running is due out on general release in the UK next Friday.