Helen Mirren befriends Evander Holyfield!

Helen Mirren has a new friend former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield.

The Queen star says she hit it off with the retired boxer after he was brought in as a personal trainer on comedy remake Arthur.

“The best thing was being taught how to punch by Evander,” says Helen, 65. “He’s such a gentleman, but he is the champ and he is a big guy, and quite scary. He gave me a little training in how to punch Russell in a scene. That was one of the highlights of the shoot for me and a handy skill to pick up just in case!

Mirren recently revealed she likes to wear stripper heels when she struts her stuff on the red carpet because she feels empowered by the height.

“I often buy my shoes on Hollywood Boulevard at these places that sell them to pole dancers – because they’re really high,” Helen admitted.

“I’m only five foot four, so I put those little babies on and I’m, like, five foot 10 and I can strut my stuff alongside Nicole Kidman anytime.”