Disney has been making a big deal around the world of launching its toy range to accompany the new Star Wars movie – and London hasn’t missed the action.
John Boyega and Daisy Ridley, stars of The Force Awakens that opens in December, added some galactic glamour to Force Friday event as they joined hundreds of fans for a midnight opening of Disney’s Oxford Street store.
Long queues had formed as fans, some in costume, sought to be among the first to get their hands of tie-in merchandise such as action figures, toy lightsabers and fancy dress costumes.
Londoner James Burns, 44, who co-runs the Jedi News fan website, said he was particularly impressed with the Lego toys and a remote-controlled BB8 droid.
Explaining his life-long addiction to all things Star Wars he said: "The minute I saw that big ship fly over my head I jumped on and I've never got off.
"I was six years old, my aunt took me to a cinema in Southend - I remember it vividly - and the whole thing just changed my life.
"Star Wars is the classic story of good versus evil, with good overcoming evil.
"I think that's the way a lot of us want to live our lives, we're always trying to be good to each other and try to see the best we can in everybody.
"The community of Star Wars fans all over the world takes that on board.
"I can go anywhere in the world now and find a bunch of like-minded Star Wars fans and strike up a conversation as if I've known them all my life."
Star Wars: The Force Awakens sees original cast members Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill and Peter Mayhew return as Hans Solo, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Chewbacca The film will be released in the UK on December 18.
Daisy Ridley and John Boyega with their respective characters' action figures
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here