Christian Bale may be the saviour of Gotham, but it was London that was cheering the Dark Knight Rises star as he arrived back in his homeland for the film's premiere.

Speaking ahead of the film's UK opening on July 20, Bale revealed he felt honoured to have been able to play Batman three times, saying that director Christopher Nolan had always warned him not to expect a second film, let alone a third.

He went on to say that although he himself was used to wearing the suit, he still got goosebumps when those around him go quiet as he arrives on set, adding that the suit represents something, even in the real world.

Bale's visit to the capital was a brief one, he flew in from Paris and headed back just three-and-a-half-hours later.