For someone who stars in action-packed films like Transporter and Death Race, it’s rather laughable that Jason Statham avoided ex-girlfriend Kelly Brook at an awards ceremony.

Statham, who presented the accolade for International Man to Mickey Rourke at the GQ Men of the Year Awards, reportedly wouldn’t take his place at his dinner table because Kelly was sitting five tables away.

The Hollywood action star only joined his fellow diners at London’s Royal Opera House after Kelly—who he split from in 2004—had presented a prize to British comic Michael McIntyre.

A source told Britain’s Daily Mirror, “Kelly was a huge part of Jason’s life, and clearly he still has feelings for her. Also she looked stunning and Jason was there with his girlfriend—he didn’t want the pair meeting. Rather than risk an awkward encounter, he didn’t sit down for dinner straight away. Instead a member of GQ’s staff took his place.”

At the after-party for the awards ceremony, Jason continued to keep his distance from Kelly, who is now dating rugby star Danny Cipriani. The source added, “It was a pretty awkward situation. Kelly’s name is a no-go with Jason’s friends—no reference was made to her being there all night. Fortunately, Kelly was oblivious to it all and was just having a laugh.”