Guy Ritchie was nearly left stranded by Madonna who turned up pver an hour late to the worldwide premiere of his new movie RocknRolla in London.

The film director looked less than impressed with his wife - who arrived minutes before the film was to start, leaving him to greet fans alone on the red carpet.

"She told me she was half an hour away. She better had be otherwise I am going to be really embarrassed," he said.

"Whatever happens, she'll be late. Take her time and double it."

Despite Madonna's tardiness, the couple – who have been hit speculation that their marriage is in crisis in recent months - put on an appearance of solidarity as they walked hand in hand down the red carpet.

But Madonna – who is in the middle of a world tour – was not wearing her wedding ring...