Mike Leigh denies 'bleak' claims

Mike Leigh has laughed off talk that Happy-Go-Lucky is the first uplifting film he's made.

The British director, Oscar-nominated for Secrets & Lies, Topsy-Turvy and Vera Drake, is eager to dismiss his tag as a bleak director.

Speaking at the Happy-Go-Lucky premiere, Leigh said: "People talk all kinds of rubbish about all sorts of things. I've made lots of films that were positive and lots of films that looked at the tough side of life and it certainly isn't the first time I've made you laugh - and you will laugh a lot with this film Happy-Go-Lucky.

"It's not any less realistic, it ain't no fantasy, it's a film about real life. The film is about being positive - the film's about looking on the bright side.

"Poppy - Sally Hawkins's wonderful character - is full of beans and vitality and energy and I hope she's an inspiration for everybody."

Hawkins picked up a Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlin Film Festival earlier in the year while Leigh was nominated for the a Golden Bear award.

Happy-Go-Lucky is released in the UK this Friday.