Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart 'sorry' for missing UK Twilight premiere as co-stars steal spotlight

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The trio recorded brief video messages to the thousands of committed fans who camped outside the Odeon cinema - some up to 34 hours - for the UK premiere of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.

Enjoying the spotlight: it was Nikki Reed's turn to shine

"Sorry I can't be here tonight, but I hope you have a fantastic time with the rest of the cast this evening.

In Pictures - Twilight Saga: Eclipse London premiere

"Thanks for your continued support - hope you enjoy the film as much as we enjoyed making it," said Pattinson, reading from cue cards.

The 24-year-old, who reprises his role as vampire Edward Cullen in the third instalment of the franchise, based on the best-selling novels by Stephenie Meyer, previously cited work commitments for his absence - he is currently filming Water For Elephants in Los Angeles with Reese Witherspoon.

Total Eclipse: Ashley Greene plays Alice Cullen

His co-stars, Stewart (Bella Swan) and Lautner (werewolf Jacob Black), have not given their reasons for missing the premiere.

Instead, other cast members including Ashley Greene (Alice Cullen), Kellan Lutz (Emmett Cullen) and Booboo Stewart (Seth Clearwater) made the most of the spotlight.

"I'm loving it - this is my first premiere in London and it won't be my last," gushed Lutz.

Loving it: this was Kellan Lutz's first London premiere

Director David Slade said he was "overwhelmed and terrified" by the huge numbers of people who had turned up to support the film.

"The reason why I took it was because I knew I could never do anything like it again. I know it's vampires and werewolves but it's an unapologetic love story," he added.

Many of the fans admitted they were "disappointed" by the leads' absence.

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse will be released in cinemas on Friday July 9.