Film fans still flocked to see celebrities attending the London premiere of Shall We Dance last night, despite the absence of one its main leads, Jennifer Lopez.

Earlier in the day, Lopez issued a statement through the film's distributors Buena Vista International, saying she was unwell and unable to make the premiere, fuelling specualtion that she may be pregnant.

The film's director Peter Chelsom said he was disappointed that Lopez was unable to make it.

He said: "I'm disappointed. It's a shame. I know it's true that she's not well because she has also cancelled her promotional tour. I've heard she has swollen glands."

Asked if she was expecting her first child, the director said: "I honestly don't know but I can understand why that is a rumour."

Gere, 55, shook hands and signed autographs for some fans in the 4,000-strong crowd and dancers waltzed up and down the red carpet as the event got under way.

Asked whether Lopez was pregnant, Gere, who arrived with his wife, former 007 star Carey Lowell, said: "I don't have any idea."

Lopez plays dance instructor Paulina who teaches bored and overworked lawyer John Clark (Gere) ballroom dancing in Shall We Dance?, a remake of a Japanese movie.

The movie, which opens on Friday, was rubbished in the US but had better reviews in the UK.