Mr Bean's West End walkabout

The comic creation played by actor Rowan Atkinson wowed the crowds in London's Leicester Square as he went on an impromptu walkabout among fans.

The new release - Mr Bean's Holiday - tells the story of the tweed jacket-wearing character's escapades during a break in the south of France which sees him stumble into the Cannes Film Festival.

Atkinson, who was joined by wife Sunetra for the premiere at the Odeon last night, described how he still enjoyed playing the bumbling middle-aged man.

He said: "He's a child and it's fun playing a child. He exhibits all the characteristics of childhood.

"He seems quite innocent and vulnerable and naive and then suddenly he's transformed into the most aggressive and vindictive and self-centred individual you've ever met. That's what a 10-year-old boy can be if he hasn't got a parent controlling him."

Also at the premiere was Hollywood star Willem Dafoe who described his role in the movie as an "egotistical director" adding: "I've known a few of those in my time".

The star of films like Spider Man and Platoon, known for playing baddies, said it was "a pleasure doing comedy".