Fans miss out on top stars at Twilight's UK premiere

Alex Meraz, Booboo Stewart, Nikki Reed, Kellan Lutz, Ashley Greene and Xavier Samuel

Twilight fans have warned the main three characters of the movie saga not to shun a UK premiere again.

No official reason was given as to why Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner did not attend.

However, it is thought Robert is filming in LA and was unable to break his schedule.

Fans at the premiere told Newsbeat that hundreds more would have camped out and attended if the three main stars had come along.

The stars that did attend included Xavier Samuel, who plays newborn vampire Riley, as well as Kellan Lutz who is one of the Cullen family members.

Also there was Ashley Greene who plays Alice Cullen, Edward's sister.

'Completely shocked'

She said: "You know what, because we have so many fans in so many places they've had to split us up across the world and so, unfortunately we can't all make it to everything.

Ashley Greene poses with fans as she arrives on the red carpet

"But they seem pretty excited, the fans, so that's a good sign."

While Nikki Reed who plays Rosalie Hale was pleased with the turnout: "I'm feeling great. I'm completely shocked. I had no idea.

"This feels just as big as the LA premiere. I'm surprised so many people turned up and Rob isn't here.

"I know Rob would have loved to have been here, but he's shooting a movie in LA and I don't think he was allowed to come."

Twilight fan Alison, 20, admitted that Robert's absence was a bit of a let down. She said: "I'm disappointed, but I think the cast is so big, they've got so many of them coming it's going to be fantastic regardless.

"We should be prioritised though to be honest. At the end of the day Edward is British. Robert Pattinson's British, he should be here."

Some fans had even camped in London's Leicester Square, staying for more than 30 hours, to make sure they got a good spot along the barriers to see their favourite cast members.

Seventeen-year-old Ben had travelled down from Newcastle and said he was secretly pleased the top stars hadn't come.

"I am very disappointed. It would have been nice to see them. But I'm also glad because there would have been millions of other people here and we wouldn't have got such a good spot."

Video messages

Twilight fans Vicky and Gemma dressed up as Alice and Rosalie

Vicky and Gemma went dressed as two of the characters, Alice and Rosalie.

Vicky said she was upset that Robert, Taylor and Kristen had made it to other premieres around the world.

"That's the only reason we're upset is everyone else got them. But the minor stars, Ashley and Nikki are the ones we really want to meet."

R-Patz, K-Stew and Taylor all sent video messages which were shown on giant screens in the square.

Robert said: "Hi to all the fans of Twilight in the UK and at home.

"I hope you all have a fantastic time in meeting the rest of the cast this evening. You've all been huge support in the Twilight saga, and I hope you enjoy Eclipse as much as the other films.

"Have a great night and see you soon."

Seventeen-year-old Kelly said the messages made up for their lack of presence.

"It was really good... because even though they couldn't be here, they took time to send us nice messages."