HUNDREDS of UK cinemas will open late into the night as they welcome fans to the first public screenings of Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

The latest and hotly-anticipated instalment of the historic sci-fi franchise will be officially released from midnight on Thursday morning, featuring original Star Wars actor Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker and the late Carrie Fisher as Leia.

Thousands of fans are expected to attend screening events through the night, just hours after cast members stepped onto the red carpet at London’s Royal Albert Hall for the film’s European premiere.

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RAVE reviews of Star Wars: The Last Jedi have begun pouring in following early screenings of the latest edition of the sci-fi franchise.

Rian Johnson’s hotly anticipated eighth instalment of the saga sees a return from veteran stars Mark Hamill and the late Carrie Fisher as Luke Skywalker and Leia, as well as The Force Awakens favourites, Daisy Ridley as Rey, John Boyega as Finn and Adam Driver as Kylo Ren.

Ahead of the film’s general release from midnight on Thursday, here is what the papers are saying.

FILM-making legend Danny Boyle has teamed up with anonymous graffiti artist Banksy to make an 'alternative nativity' for BBC Two.

Oscar-winning director Boyle travelled to the West bank town of Bethlehem to make the hour long film after he was asked by Banksy to help him stage an 'Alternativity' in "the least Christmassy place on earth," - the car park of Banksy's hotel.

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STATUS Quo have announced the cancellation of two more performances in Germany after lead singer Francis Rossi was taken ill.

The band announced on Monday that a concert scheduled to take place in Berlin would not go ahead and, on Tuesday, they added that shows in Frankfurt and Baden Baden would have to be cancelled.

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A statement updating fans on the 68-year-old’s health said: “Francis has a chest infection which has left him incapacitated and unable to sing.”