Lily James ditches ‘engagement ring’ as she parties with Liam Payne and Rita Ora after BAFTAs

Lily James took fans on an emotional rollercoaster after sparking engagement rumours with a huge diamond ring – before ditching the rock hours later at a BAFTAs after party.

The actress, 28, sent the rumour mill into overdrive after she was pictured flaunting the band on her wedding finger as she worked the red carpet outside London’s Royal Albert Hall on Sunday night.

Fans were quick to take the jewellery as confirmation of her engagement to partner of four years, Matt Smith, but she was later spotted without the ring as she mingled with the fashion elite at the new Annabel’s.

James partied with stars including fellow actresses Sienna Miller and Salma Hayek, as well as Rita Ora.

The singer, who made her acting debut in the Fifty Shades trilogy, was all smiles as she posed for pictures with Jack Guinness, Arizona Muse and Kyle De Volle.

She was joined at the VIP bash by collaborator Liam Payne who appeared to shake off the rumours of a split from girlfriend Cheryl.

Fellow singer Pixie Lott was working 80s inspired style as she enjoyed a date night with fiancé Oliver Cheshire, while Paloma Faith took time off from parenting duties to catch up with friends.

Fashion powerhouse Naomi Campbell made sure to stand out in a white feathered outfit as she danced to fellow model Kate Moss’ DJ set with Fat Tony.

Across town, Margot Robbie was joined by BAFTA winner and I, Tonya co-star Allison Janney at Soho House where VIP guests also included Florence Pugh, Josh O’Connor and Jamie Bell and his girlfriend Kate Mara.

BAFTA nominee Saoirse Ronan was also in attendance and caught up with Will Poulter, while Martin McDonagh held on tight to his two BAFTAs for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.

The film was the night’s biggest winner, picking up five gongs including Leading Actress for Frances McDormand and Best Supporting Actor for Sam Rockwell.