Michelle Ryan has had a topsy turvy career thus far, but things could be looking up for her following her latest big-screen role.

The former EastEnders actress hit the big time on the BBC1 show, becoming a sex symbol as she blossomed into a fully-grown on the popular soap.

Miss Ryan, 26, attended the premiere of new British movie 4.3.2.1 by Bafta-winning director Noel Clarke last night in a long flowing Donna Karan red dress, accessorised with a pair of tan heels.

In the red: Former EastEnders actress Michelle Ryan attends the premiere of 4.3.2.1 at the Empire Leicester Square

Career booster: The actress returned to the UK after the U.S. series the Bionic Woman was axed - in recent months she has had roles in three new British productions

Her dress was a perfect match for the red carpet, which some might say was something of a faux-pas, although she looked great.

Also present was Emma Roberts, the niece of Hollywood actress Julia Roberts wore a loose-fitting Temperley London white tunic dress with jewelled detailing across the neckline and sleeves.

Female stars Tamsin Egerton, Preeya Kalidas, Laura Whitmore and Shanika Warren-Markland were also in attendance.

Diamonds are a girl's best friend: Tamsin Egerton and Emma Roberts play girls who were involved in a diamond heist in Noel Clarke's new movie

Robbery: Actresses Ophelia Lovibond and Shanika Warren-Markland are part of the all-female gang the film's story is based on

Michelle Ryan appeared to be set for the big time after her departure from EastEnders with a much-publicised move to Los Angeles where she landed the role of the Bionic Woman.

However, within a few short months, the Hollywood dream came to an end when the series was cancelled and she returned to the UK.

At the time a source said: 'Barring a last-minute miracle, the show won't be coming back. Inside the network, there's just no appetite to see more episodes, and it was an incredibly expensive show to make week in and week out.

All in black: Kate McGowan and Linzey Cocker pose for pictures on the red carpet

British starlets: Susannah Fielding and Preeya Kalidas

'Producers are sick of throwing good money after bad at this series.'

The source added: 'Frankly, the bosses at the network decided to blame Michelle for the show's failure. Their bet was that American viewers would fall in love with her looks, personality, and the character she played.

'But that just didn't happen. She went back to England because the writing was on the wall.'

A busy weekend: All of the action in new film takes place over the course of three days

Back on screen: Michelle Ryan in Noel Clarke's new movie 4.3.2.1

Award winner: Noel Clarke picked up the Rising Star award at the Baftas

Since her return Michelle has appeared in Doctor Who as Lady Christina de Souza - it had been rumoured that she may reprise the role in future episodes although she has not yet committed to a return.

Noel Clarke's new film comes off the back of his first two features, Kidulthood and Adulthood, with some of the cast members returning to work with the director.

The movie follows four girls who were involved in a diamond heist and split between the four storylines.

Whilst Jo (played Emma Roberts) is chained down in a dead end supermarket job, her friends are all out on their own separate adventures.

Cassandra (Tamsin Egerton) is jetting off to New York to meet her internet boyfriend, Kerrys (Shanika Warren-Markland) is on a one woman crusade fighting for female liberation and Shannon (Ophelia Lovibond) is seemingly on a one way trip to meet her maker.

In an interview with the Scotsman, Noel Clarke explained that he wants to change the way British directors approach their work.

He said: 'I think people are bored of seeing the same old 'British film'. And it's about time we stopped making 'British film' and started making 'British movies'

'Nobody is making films like 4.3.2.1. here. Nobody is. No-one's willing to take risks.

'People want to make worthy stuff. (They] think that everyone will go and watch a film about a poet who lived in 1582 but was a recluse in his house – and 90 pages of a 110 page script are all in his room!

Man in the middle: Director Noel Clarke with Emma Roberts, Ophelia Lovibond, Tamsin Egerton, Shanika Warren-Markland and Michelle Ryan

'Whereas something like this is explosive, and colourful and bold and bright and risky.'

The film's title refers to the four girls, the three days in which their adventures occur over, the two cities where the action takes place and the one chance they all have.

4.3.2.1 is released on June 2.