He might be adored by a legion of fans, but film heartthrob Zac Efron – who was in the UK for the premiere of The Lucky One last night – said it was says it was luck that propelled him to super-stardom, not his acting ability.

Speaking at the European premiere of his new romantic drama, the 24-year-old High School Musical star admitted that he's had an easy ride so far.

However, the pin-up now wants to make sure that he is taken seriously as an actor.

Zac explained at the premiere: "I got into this in a very lucky way, but it wasn't the actor way, you know what I mean?

“I didn't do it in a way really deserving, I would call what I had very much a lucky break.

“So, my goal over the past few years has been to take a step back, really learn about my craft, and prove to myself that it wasn't just a fluke, that I am here for a reason.”

The Lucky One is based on the bestselling novel by Nicholas Sparks and sees Efron star as a U.S. Marine sergeant who tracks down a beautiful woman (Taylor Schilling) whose photograph he believes saved his life in Iraq.

Of the role Zac added: "I was proud to have taken this role, it was a scary choice.

“I didn't know if I could play a Marine - everyone you talk to would say I am wrong for this part, but you know, at the end of the day it was a challenge and I am proud, I think I pulled it off."

Thankfully, his co-star had nothing but praise for Zac.

Also at the premiere, Taylor said: “Zac is goof ball and the two of us together had a lot of fun. It was a blast.

“We never took ourselves too seriously, the work yes, but we were fooling around the whole time."

The Lucky One hits U.K. theaters on Wednesday May 2.