Hanks reveals himself to be a Villan

Hanks, 51, stars alongside Julie Roberts and Philip Seymour Hoffman in Charlie Wilson's War, based on a true story of "The most successful covert operation in history."

The Forrest Gump actor plays playboy congressman Wilson, who secretly assisted rebels in Afghanistan in their war with the soviets.

But the actor swapped politics for football tonight by wearing an Aston Villa scarf, because he, "likes the team".

When asked about who he was supporting in the US Presidential election he said: "You guys have all the luck in the UK you get yours over and done with so quickly. We've got several more months to go. Ask me in six months when I've decided."

Roberts is being tipped to win her second Oscar for her role as a real-life socialite whose efforts with the Texan congressman and a CIA agent, played by Hoffman, contributed to the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War.

But the Pretty Woman star was absent from tonight's European Premiere in Leicester Square because she was apparently working on her next project.

Roberts, 40, plays socialite Joanne Herring, who became a gun-running spy to help Afghan rebels repel the Soviet Unions invasion of 1979.

The film, directed by Mike Nichols, is up for several Golden Globes, including Best Film, Best Actor for Hanks and Supporting Actress and Actor for Roberts and Hoffman.

But the Golden Gold Ceremony has been cancelled because of the strike by writers over royalties.

Charlie Wilson's War is Roberts' first onscreen role for three years.

The actress has been out of the limelight while concentrating on starting her family with cameraman husband Danny Moder.

She is reported to have decided to boycott the Golden Globe's ceremony, while Hanks said he would not be in the US anyway.

Charlie Wilson's War opens in the UK on Friday.