The spiky blond hair and the famous nose are as recognisable as ever.

Walking along the beach in Malibu, however, Barry Manilow looks a shadow of his former self.

While during his long career the singer could never have been described as porky, it seems that recently his weight has plummeted.

Gaunt: Barry Manilow was snapped looking worryingly thin. The singer is said to have dropped to seven stone

The 65-year-old's arms looked thin and sinewy in his short-sleeved shirt, while even his skinny trousers seemed too large for his legs.

U.S. magazine Globe reported that despite being 6ft tall, he weighs only 7st, or a fraction under 100lb.

A spokesman for Manilow denied that he had slimmed down to just over 7st or that he is in ill health.

He said the singer's strenuous recording and rehearsal schedule was to blame.

'Granted, he's pretty trim,' he said. 'But 100lb? And no, he's not ill. He is rehearsing for his new show in Vegas, recording his new album, recording an original rock album, putting together an arena show and sometimes even enjoying the beach.'

Bony: The Mandy singer went shopping with a friend in LA where he was seen looking skinny and frail

Sick? Although his weight has dramatically decreased there are no reports that Manilow has health problems

Ruffled rocker: Barry in 1978

The singer, whose career spans four decades, was also reported as having trouble walking.

He had hip surgery two years ago and continues to perform a high-octane act at the Las Vegas Hilton where he has a residency.

Manilow is due to return to Britain to perform at the O2 arena in London for two dates in December.

Four years ago he was thought to have undergone a complete face-lift after he was spotted leaving a Beverly Hills clinic in a disguise which included a woman's wig, oversized sunglasses and a baseball cap.