Dirty Dancer Kate upstages Bruce Willis at Die Hard 4.0 premiere

11 April 2012
The Weekender

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Actress Kate Beckinsale stole the show from action man Bruce Willis at the UK premiere of the fourth Die Hard film.

At the post-premiere party, she and husband Len Wiseman, the film's director, put on a display of dirty dancing that caused far more excitement than anything Bruce could manage on screen - not bad for a couple who have been married for more than three years.

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Dirty dancers: Kate Beckinsale gets up close...

Dirty dancers: Kate Beckinsale gets up close...

...and personal with amorous husband and director of Die Hard 4.0, Len Wiseman

...and personal with amorous husband and director of Die Hard 4.0, Len Wiseman

Dressed in a figure-hugging white Herve Leger dress which allowed for not an inch of excess flesh, Kate and Wiseman smooched around the dancefloor at Cirque so closely entwined that at one stage it looked as if it would take a crowbar to prise them apart.

Actress Beckinsale, who has a seven-year old daughter Lily, with Welsh actor Michael Sheen, her former partner of nine years, met the American-born director on the set of Vampire film Underworld, which also starred then husband Sheen.

Shortly afterwards, the actress announced the end of her relationship with Sheen, better known for his portrayal of Tony Blair in film The Queen, while Wiseman left his wife.

Wiseman proposed after booking the presidential suite at the Viceroy Hotel in Los Angeles and filling it with lilies, the actress's favourite flowers.

...as the Hollywood couple share a smooch on the dancefloor at the post-premiere party

...as the Hollywood couple share a smooch on the dancefloor at the post-premiere party

The couple, who married in a showy Las Vegas wedding in 2003, seem to be enjoying an extended honeymoon period, and have regularly shown their affection for each other in public. Kate once said: "People think all Len and I do is kiss in parks and public places.

"But we do the shopping too - we have to stop for breath now and again."

Miss Beckinsale, who had been keeping homes in both Los Angeles and Chiswick, West London, made a permanent move to America with daughter Lily after accepting Wiseman's proposal.

Following flop Pearl Harbour, she starred as Ava Gardner in The Aviator, about legendary film producer Howard Hughes, Van Helsing, and her new film Vacancy, in which she stars with Luke Wilson has just been released.

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Director Len Wiseman with wife and muse Kate Beckinsale

Director Len Wiseman with wife and muse Kate Beckinsale

The crowds clamour for Kate who didn't disappoint in her white Herve Leger dress and gold platform heels

The crowds clamour for Kate who didn't disappoint in her white Herve Leger dress and gold platform heels

Wiseman was at the helm for Willis' return after twelve years as wise-cracking cop John McClane, in Die Hard With A Vengeance.

Die Hard 4.0 sees 52-year old Willis back to save the world again, this time from cyber-terrorists determined to bring the US to its knees by destroying its computer networks. Willis is joined by co-stars Maggie Q, who plays high-kicking villainess Mai Lihn, and Timothy Olyphant, who portrays terrorist mastermind Thomas Gabriel.

He said of the new movie, part of a franchise that has grossed nearly £1bn worldwide: "We always envisioned Die Hard 4.0 as a straight-ahead action ride that was true to the tone and character of the original, but updated for today. I can tell you we've more than met that goal.

"You get real action and stunts. It's gritty and big - everything you'd expect and want in a Die Hard movie."

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A forgiving Bruce Willis greets limelight stealing Kate Beckinsale

A forgiving Bruce Willis greets limelight stealing Kate Beckinsale

Willis underwent several months of rigorous physical training to get in shape for his role as the action hero.

"McClane's older and so am I - and that was part of the fun of returning to the character," he said.

"But I also realised there is a benefit to getting older. You pay attention, and you acquire some wisdom."

The sexy action star says he would love to explore the younger character in a prequel, but thinks he is too wrinkly!

He said: "There was one point when someone suggested doing a Die Hard' prequel, 'John McClane: The Early Years.'"

"But I think I've missed that window now - unless they come up with some new technology that smooths out these wrinkles on my face. I would definitely like to do it, but it's just a matter of how I look!"

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Actress Tina Hobley and TV presenter Lisa Snowdon both opted for little black dresses

Actress Tina Hobley and TV presenter Lisa Snowdon both opted for little black dresses

Apprentice winner Simon Ambrose and actress Maggie Q were among the guests

Apprentice winner Simon Ambrose and actress Maggie Q were among the guests

Bruce, 52, who has been linked to actress Lindsay Lohan and model Rachel Hunter, also said that starring in the new action film wasn't as easy as doing the first three.

He said: "It was a really hard film to make, to be honest. A year ago, when we started making this film, the risk factor was massive. But it turned out very well in the end."

Die Hard 4.0 will be released on July 6.

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