Emma Watson braves Storm Doris to join Dan Stevens at Beauty and the Beast launch

Emma Watson braved Storm Doris as she stepped out for the Beauty and the Beast launch.

Despite strong winds and rain, Watson, 26, looked the belle of the ball as she arrived at London’s Spencer House where a red carpet was shunned in favour of a snowy forest.

The former Harry Potter star, who plays Belle in the live action remake of the Disney classic, looked stunning in a pale blue caped gown.

The actress was all smiles as she was reunited with her onscreen love interest Dan Stevens (the Beast) who looked worlds away from his character in a navy suit and tie.

The pair shared a joke and smiled for the cameras before heading inside to join their co-stars for a dinner.

Sir Ian McKellen looked slightly windswept as he arrived with his hair blowing off to one side.

But despite the gusty weather, the veteran actor – who plays Cogsworth – was all smiles as he pulled several poses for the cameras.

Emma Thompson (Mrs Potts) took shelter inside where she was joined by her onscreen son Nathan Mack (Chip).

The child star made sure to dress for the ocassion and opted for a brown suit which he teamed with a red bow tie.

Luke Evans joined Josh Gad on the blue carpet inside. The actors play onscreen double act Gaston and LeFou in the new film.

Stanley Tucci, Audra McDonald were also in attendance as well as director Bill Condon and composer Alan Menken.

The film looks set to be a box-office hit after the official full length trailer broke records on it's release in November to become the most viewed trailer in 24 hours.

It racked up 127.6 million views to dethrone Fifty Shades Darker which held the previous record of 114 million.

Beauty and the Beast is set for UK cinema release on March 17.