Blair the No1 Chan fan

We know he likes football, plays the guitar and is sometimes partial to a bit of Coldplay.

Now it seems Tony Blair is a devotee of the biggest martial arts star in the world.

The secret was revealed by Cherie Blair who let slip that her husband was an admirer of Jackie Chan movies when she met the Chinese actor last night.

"I have to say the Prime Minister is a bit of a fan," she told Chan, 51. "He tells me that Rush Hour is his favourite."

The movie, released in 1998, was a huge hit in which Chan and fast-talking American comedian Chris Tucker tackle Hong Kong gangsters.

Mrs Blair didn't mention whether the Prime Minister was as impressed with the sequel, Rush Hour 2, admitting: "I liked Around the World in 80 Days myself."

She was referring to the recent remake of the Jules Verne novel, starring Chan and British comedian Steve Coogan. A third Rush Hour film has also been announced.

Mrs Blair spoke on stage as she presented Chan with the 2005 World Diversity Award at the Radisson Hotel, Mayfair.

The accolade recognised him as a global role model and for his charitable work.

In her excitement hugging the film star, Mrs Blair broke his string of white and red roses which tumbled to the floor. Following that, half of his award statue broke off and fell to the ground.

Mrs Blair, wearing a blue silk oriental style jacket and flowing skirt with her hair swept up in a chignon, spoke glowingly of Chan's repertoire and dress sense. "You are looking so well put together," she told Chan, who was dressed in Chinese dinner jacket. And she marvelled at his ability to perform his own stunts.

"There are so many people who can play heroes but there are not so many who can say they are an all-round good guy," she added. Chan has firmly established himself as the biggest martial arts star since Bruce Lee, successfully appealing to American and European audiences combining comedy, slapstick and action in his films.

But even though Mr Blair may be trying out his kung fu kicks at No10, Chan confessed he never wanted to be in the premier's shoes.