Stallone said making the film was "very emotional"

Hundreds of fans called out the character's name as the 60-year-old actor arrived at the West End screening to the film's theme music.

Stallone had been mocked for reviving the 30-year-old boxing franchise and said it was "probably" the last part.

He thanked fans for turning up, adding: "What is really shocking is that they are so young."

The film features the aging ex-champion lured out of retirement when a TV sports show says the young Rocky would have beaten the current champion Mason Dixon.

Stallone put in months of training for the role - racking up a catalogue of injuries including a damaged neck and broken foot.

Other famous faces at the premiere included Olympic boxing star Amir Khan, actress Jennifer Ellison, comic Frank Skinner and TV presenter Lisa Snowden.