There was a big Hollwood star in the house on Sunday and presenter Phillip Schofield didn't miss his chance to bag a selfie with superstar Tom Cruise as they, and a host of other famous faces, came together for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebration at Windsor Castle. Those tuning into ITV on Sunday night will have seen Queen Elizabeth II as she attended the equestrian extravaganza at the arena close to Windsor Castle.
The 96-year-old monarch sat in the royal box with a blanket over her knees for the musical and theatrical romp across the centuries, called A Gallop Through History which chronicled the events of the first Elizabethan age, from the attempted invasion of the Spanish Armada to leading figures of the day like William Shakespeare.
Comedian Omid Djalili acted as the narrator while Dame Helen Mirren once again played a queen of England. Also among the celebrities taking part in the show were Damian Lewis and Katherine Jenkins, who added to the all-star cast of British and international talent for Sunday's performance which was broadcast live by ITV.
As for Tom, the actor best known for action film franchises Top Gun and Mission Impossible, introduced what he said was "one of the most enthralling, thrilling, heart-in-mouth displays" as he announced a performance by The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery. Prior to his appearance in front of the Queen, the Top Gun star spoke to ITV presenters Phillip Schofield and Julie Etchingham from their studio, telling them that the Queen “is a woman I greatly admire”.
"What she has accomplished is historic. She has met presidents, world leaders, people from all walks of life," he said. "Not just Americans, but the world knows the dignity, devotion and kindness, that is what I have always felt about her. Someone that understands her position and has held it through a history that’s just been extraordinary the past 70 years."
But fans were baffled when the presenters started talking about his new film, Top Gun: Maverick, which was released in cinemas last week. @anitathetweeter tweeted: "Really enjoying this edition of This Morning with Phillip Schofield interviewing Tom Cruise about his new film, I hear the Queen might pop by later #PlatinumJubilee."
@ColinHa86088856 wrote: "@Schofe Why did you feel the need to ask Tom bl***y cruise about his new movie @ The Queens Platinum Jubilee Celebration???" @CruzFer45701416 complained: "Why is Tom Cruise promoting his new movie? What does this have to do with The Queen? @Schofe needs a bib he’s dribbling so much #itv #platinumjubilee."
The complaints and confusion, however, didn't detract Phillip from posing alongside the star. Taking to Instagram, the This Morning star and actor appeared to be adjusting their bow ties as they looked dapper in black suits.
"Just checking our tuxedos before the show .. as you do!! @tomcruise #platinumjubilee #topgunmaverick," Phillip, 60, captioned the post to his millions of followers. He then took to his Instagram Story with another photo of the pair, this time with Julie stood smiling between them.
He wrote alongside the post: "Well now here's a moment. The delightful @tomcruise is on our Jubilee show soon." Earlier, Phillip had been flooded with comments from his celebrity pals, including Holly Willoughby, as he gave a preview at his appearance from the castle.
Donning a pair of shades and his tux with Windsor Castle in the backdrop, he said: "A weekend at Windsor #platinumjubilee," to which his usual co-host and bestie Holly, 41, replied: "Handsome pants!"
