Insurgent stars on the red carpet at world premiere

The pair, who reprise their roles in Insurgent, were joined by author Veronica Roth – whose books the movies are based on – and the film’s producers at the Odeon cinema in Leicester Square.

Kate Winslet, who plays Erudite faction leader Jeanine Matthews, sent a video message apologising for her absence, saying: “Hi London. Sorry I cannot be there tonight.”

Woodley, who returns to play Beatrice “Tris” Prior in the second instalment of the big-screen adaptation of Roth’s dystopian novels, wore a white dress by Ralph Lauren with a cut out back, which she kept covered up with a pinstripe blazer.

The Fault In Our Stars actress, 23, was accompanied by her British co-star James, who plays Tobias “Four” Eaton.

The sequel to the 2014 adventure sees their characters going on the run from Winslet’s character.

“It was loads of fun. The thing about this film is it looks like (we are running for) seven minutes but in reality, we were running for two months so it wasn’t too intense,” Woodley said.

For James, however, the action scenes packed a punch – literally.

“I got hit in the face during the train sequence so I got clocked, but the film makes you feel tough,” the 30-year-old actor joked.

Woodley also revealed Winslet is the “complete opposite” to her villainous screen persona.

“She’s the complete opposite which is why I think she’s so convincing in this film because she’s able to talk and do it through her alter-ego.”

Octavia Spencer, Naomi Watts, Miles Teller and Ansel Elgort also star in Insurgent, which opens in UK cinemas on March 19.

Ashley Roberts and Sam Faiers were among the stylish ladies walking the red carpet.