Sir Michael Caine has surprised film fans by releasing his debut novel, Deadly Game, after retiring from acting. However, The Great Escaper star’s unlikely friendships in the showbiz industry have also turned plenty of heads in recent years.

Michael Caine’s unlikely celebrity pals – from Denise Welch to Vin Diesel and Tom Cruise (Image: INSTAGRAM)

Alongside his incredible body of work, Oscar-winning actor Sir Michael Caine also boasts a fascinating circle of friends from all areas of the showbiz industry.

The Great Escaper star baffled fans when he spent his milestone 90th birthday with Loose Women panellist Denise Welch, 65, and Hollywood icon Tom Cruise, 61.

Sir Michael, whose debut thriller, Deadly Game, has just been published, also counts Fast and Furious star Vin Diesel as a close pal, despite their 34-year age difference, along with composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, 75.

The retired actor’s birthday dinner in London earlier this year drew attention to some of his most unlikely celebrity connections.

Former Coronation Street actress Denise was filmed making Sir Michael laugh at the star-studded bash, with an X-rated joke about his marriage to wife Shakira, 76.

Michael Caine celebrated his birthday with Denise Welch (Image: INSTAGRAM)

Denise first became friends with Michael when her husband, Lincoln Townley, painted the The Italian Job star in 2016, with the couple being present at The River Cafe in Hammersmith for his birthday celebrations.

However, fans previously had no idea about Denise and Sir Michael’s connection, with many being left puzzled over how they knew each other.

Denise and Lincoln were joined at the festivities by Mission: Impossible star Tom Cruise, who first became friends with Michael when they co-starred in 2002 movie Austin Powers in Goldmember.

The Top Gun actor posed for photos with Michael at his dinner party, showing off their surprisingly close bond.

Michael Caine with Tom Cruise and David Walliams at his birthday dinner (Image: INSTAGRAM)

Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber also attended the party with his wife Madeleine, alongside another one of Michael’s famous pals, comedian David Walliams.

Sir Michael recently praised the musical theatre composer, revealing he was behind some of his favourite pieces of music.

The actor told The Times: “I’ve known Andrew for many years and have always admired him both as a friend and as a composer.”

“I’ll never forget hearing Phantom of the Opera for the first time — I was mesmerised — and I listen to that music over and over again,” Michael added.

Just one year before marking his 90th birthday, Michael unveiled his friendship with Vin Diesel, as they enjoyed a reunion in London over dinner.

The actor shared a sweet Instagram selfie with Michael in 2022 and wrote: “One of the best things about filming in the UK… dinners with my dear friend Sir Michael Caine, who adoringly refers to me as his son.

“All love, Always,” he added, after the pair grew close years prior on the set of their 2015 film, The Last Witch Hunt.