Tom Cruise becomes a Red Arrows 'wingman' during surprise appearance at Gloucestershire air show

Virgin Radio

18 Jul 2022, 07:31

Tom Cruise really does have the need for speed!

The Top Gun star was a surprise attendee at the Royal International Air Tattoo in Gloucestershire on Saturday (16th July) and met the famous Red Arrows team.

Tom made sure to pose proudly alongside the RAF aerobatics display group, who shared the photo on social media. 

The Red Arrows Twitter post read: “We’ve got a new wingman….Today, Maverick joined the Red Arrows! Epic to meet @TomCruise at the Royal International Air Tattoo and to speak about aviation, teamwork and Top Gun.”

Looking dapper in his sharp blue suit, Tom smiled with the red jumpsuit-clad team for the smiling snap, and of course, they were all sporting dark aviators, Top Gun style.

Tom even took selfies with some of those in attendance, making the day of one Tornado GR4 pilot, Mandy Hickson. 

She shared her photo on Twitter and, alongside the beaming picture, said meeting the Hollywood actor was a “highlight of my life so far!”

Tom is making the most of his summer in the UK, having already attended Wimbledon, watched Adele perform at BST Hyde Park, and celebrated his 60th birthday at the British Grand Prix. 

To kick off his birthday celebrations, Tom’s Top Gun: Maverick co-stars made sure to praise the acting legend on social media, and used the opportunity to show off his well-known thrill-seeking ways. 

Mission Impossible director and frequent collaborator Christopher McQuarrie shared Tom's latest death-defying stunt. In the nerve-wracking photo, Tom could be seen hanging off the top of a plane by just his hands as the glider flies through the sky. 

“Happy 60th Birthday, Tom,” McQuarrie wrote.

Elsewhere, TG: M co-star Glen Powell re-shared the same high-flying snap, and commented; “This is 60. TC, there is just no one like you. Keep hangin’ in there. Happy Birthday!”

Fellow co-star Val Kilmer also joined in, with a simple birthday message which read: “Happy Birthday Mav @TomCruise from Ice!” which referenced their beloved Top Gun characters.

It comes as Top Gun: Maverick earned a historic $1 billion at the global box office, becoming Tom’s highest-grossing film ever.