Sir Michael Caine recalls 'tender' Winner at memorial

Speaking at a memorial service for Michael Winner, Sir Michael Caine said he knew the director - who died in January this year - for 53 years.

The Italian Job actor said of meeting Winner the first time: "He was the kindest, nicest, most gentle person you could think of - and that is where I was completely wrong.

"He was the most miserable son-of-a-b**** once you got to know him, and I didn't understand why he did it.

"He was testing you, and he always tested people to see how far you would go before you disliked him.

"I said to him, 'Michael, you can go as far as you like with me. I will never dislike you. Do you understand that?'

"He said, 'Yes, I've got it'. And then he became my friend. And as many of you will not believe, he became a tender, gentle person with me all my life".