6 JANUARY 2005

Angelina Jolie and Colin Farrell confessed their affection for one another when they arrived for the UK premiere of Alexander. The two performers, who were greeted by a huge crowd of fans in London's Leicester Square, arrived for the glitzy screening in the same car and promptly told the press pack how much they had enjoyed working together.

When reporters asked Colin who would be his ideal partner, he didn't have to think twice. "I haven't had a girlfriend in a long time but Angie's pretty close to my perfect woman," he said. "At the moment I am single but Angelina could well and truly be the right woman. She certainly comes close."

The object of his praise has meanwhile denied reports of a romance with the Irish hellraiser, but she admitted to having a soft spot for him. "Colin is wild, and he's also a great actor," she said. "He's really fun to work with, because you can surprise him, and throw anything at him - he's very spontaneous and very raw."

The actress, who was dressed to impress in a long black Valentino coat and skirt, was also joined at the event by co-star Val Kilmer and ex-husband Jonny Lee Miller.

Alexander has received a frosty reception in the US, but director Oliver Stone was keen to defend the £80-million production. Hitting back at critics who have branded his leading man "hopelessly out of his depth", he said: "I think Colin's work is extraordinary and he will be appreciated through time."