Keira Knightley has hired a bodyguard after being verbally abused on the street. The actress has been left shaken after a passer-by jumped out at her and screamed obscenities as she walked alone near her home in Richmond, London.

The 23-year-old star spent much of her time in a private room at the after-party following the premiere of the "The Duchess" on Wednesday, as she feared for her safety.

Keira Knightley wowed the crowd at the world premiere of "The Duchess" Wednesday night. The stunning 23-year-old actress - who wore a backless blue dress and Chanel jewelery - signed autographs for screaming fans as she walked down the red carpet in London's Leicester Square.

Keira revealed her costumes for the film - in which she plays Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire - were far less comfortable than her outfit choice for the glitzy event.

Keira Knightley has topped a poll of perfect pouts. "The Duchess" star beat "Wanted" actress Angelina Jolie to the number one spot in a public survey by lip care company Blistex.

Keira, 23, has previously said she doesn't think her pursed lips are attractive, claiming it makes her look like she is having trouble with her bowel movements.

Keira Knightley would "s**t herself" if she won an Oscar. "The Duchess" actress, who has been tipped for Academy Award glory next year for her role in the period drama, is terrified at the thought of accepting the accolade if she does triumph.

Keira also revealed she was worried about accepting the role of Georgiana Spencer in "The Duchess" in case people didn't take her seriously and she felt like a "w***er" wearing a wig.

Keira Knightley's co-star wore a flesh-colored nappy for their sex scene in their new movie.

The 23-year-old actress collapsed in a fit of giggles when Dominic Cooper, 30, stepped out in the unflattering underwear for "The Duchess."