Video: Stallone pulls a Bowie knife surprise on Sheffield audience

Hollywood action hero Sylvester Stallone was knocked out by efforts to impress him during a visit to Sheffield.

The 68-year-old star, who was in the Yorkshire city on Sunday evening, promised to plug the region in his next blockbuster after being presented with a handmade Bowie knife - a replica of his famous Rambo knife - by veteran knifemaker Reg Cooper.

He is bound to be the envy of fellow big screen tough guys with a blade from the city which enjoys a worldwide reputation as the birthplace of steel.

When asked if he’d use the souvenir in his next film, Stallone, who has been on a flying tour of Yorkshire since filming an advert for Warburton’s bread in Castleford, said: “Yes, wouldn’t that be something! I’d say, ‘hey, it’s from Sheffield’. We will actually do a plug.”

For Mr Cooper, getting to hand over the gift to the Rocky star was the highlight of his career.

He said: “I’ve been making these since I was 14. To be honest I’m chuffed about it. It would be great to see my knife in his film. At 83 I’ve probably got a bit of stardom.

“If I’m going to retire, I’m going out on a high. But I intend to go on while I can. I’ve made thousands over the years. I don’t have 50 on order. But I might after this.

“To me a knife is a tool though I make a lot of these now just for collectors. It’s a piece of history.”

Stallone also appeared at Sheffield’s City Hall, for which audience members paid up to £500 for a backstage photo after the hour-long interview with broadcaster Mike Read.