Tony Blair joined actor Sylvester Stallone in lifting actress Kate Hudson into the air at a party in Los Angeles.

The former prime minister smiled broadly as he held Almost Famous star Kate’s arms, while Sylvester took her feet.

Two shirtless Cirque du Soleil acrobats stood between Mr Blair and Sylvester, supporting her middle.

Kate Hudson
Kate Hudson got a little lift from Tony Blair and Sylvester Stallone (Evan Agostini / AP/PA Images)

Kate posted the surprising image on Instagram, writing: “Don’t really know how this happened … but it did!

“Tony Blair + Sly + two Cirque du Soleil guys = Me in a lift.”

She added that the moment was “one for the books”.

Mr Blair, Kate and Sylvester were among the high-profile guests at a Cirque du Soleil dinner party hosted by the Creative Artists Agency’s Michael Kives. Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger also attended.

The former Labour leader, 63, appeared in two other Instagram pictures shared online by Daniel Lamarre, the chief executive of entertainment company Cirque du Soleil.

His appearance at the Hollywood party came two months after he was heavily criticised by the Chilcot report, which highlighted failings in the decision to invade Iraq.