This article originally appeared on October 17, 2012.

I’VE never witnessed a lengthy standing ovation before a show has even started before – but such is the allure of Sir Roger Moore.

Around 800 fans of the celebrated actor – including some who had travelled from as far afield as Germany – gave him a rousing reception both before and after his “audience with”.

After being afforded a 15-minute interview with the great man a few weeks ago I said I could have listened to him all day, and so it was a real treat to hear nearly two hours of further inside stories and anecdotes from his appearances in James Bond films, The Saint and The Persuaders.

In fact, so giving was he of his time and so charming with the fans I saw him meet, I wouldn’t be surprised if he were still there now signing copies of his new book Bond On Bond in the auditorium to a snaking queue The Mayflower hasn’t seen the likes of since Bros met the crowd in the 80s.

He had in the past week, Sir Roger revealed, changed his mind on who he believed to be the greatest ever Bond. “I was still saying Sean Connery was the real Bond until last Saturday when I saw Skyfall. Daniel Craig is the best Bond there ever has been or ever could be. You believe he is a killer. It is an incredible film with a wonderful song from Adele.”

Of course this partisan crowd believed their hero should wear that crown. They asked a series of interesting questions following a chat between Sir Roger and his assistant Gareth Owen, making a relaxed and amusing double act.

The audience were spellbound during Sir Roger’s impression of Michael Winner, as he burst into song in an exaggerated Welsh accent, when he introduced his wife Kristina Tholstrup and while he recounted a funny tale about Joan Collins.

No one could fail to be moved by his final thoughts on the charity he has dedicated himself to for the past 22 years, UNICEF.

The audience were giving generously as they finally left the theatre high on an afternoon in the company of a legend.