Despite committing himself to inferior material for much of the 1980s and 1990s, Michael Caine has always remained popular with the discerning public and - cheeringly for a man of his age - has never stopped being cool.

"It's odd. Isn't it? I was just made GQ's Man of the Year. I got to meet the guy who invented the iPod. It was a very eclectic bunch of men. I am still the guy in The Italian Job and Alfie and Jack Carter in Get Carter to those guys. That still appeals to the lads whatever age they are."

For all Caine's recent triumphs in expanding his range, he will, I guess, be remembered first for those iconic wide boys of the 1960s and 1970s. Still grateful for his success, says he never much minds when a catchphrase is bellowed at him.

"The other day a friend brought his kids round - they are only six and three - and the moment they saw me they shouted: 'You were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!'"

He must be a little tired of hearing that line from The Italian Job. "No. It's all part and parcel of it. Hey, I always say: if you want a quiet life, become a monk."