Tom Cruise has shed 10lb in just six weeks, thanks to a strict diet and exercise programme devised by David Beckham.

The actor – who had piled on weight over the past year – turned to his soccer star neighbour for advice after being shocked by pictures showing him with a ‘spare tyre’.

Beckham drew up a nutrition plan and work-out regime and Cruise, 46, is said to be ‘thrilled’ with the result.

Fitness plan: David Beckham (right) drew up a strict diet and and work-out regime for Tom Cruise

Ironically, it was the Top Gun star’s wife Katie Holmes who suggested he ask Beckham for help – even though Victoria Beckham had been accused of encouraging her to lose too much weight.

A source said: ‘Tom had been steadily gaining weight. He didn’t notice it at first but then he developed quite a paunch.

He hated it when pictures started appearing of him with a belly and love handles.

He turned 46 this summer and he’s got a 29-year-old wife and a young family so he wanted to get back in shape.’

England and LA Galaxy footballer Beckham started Cruise on the plan while Katie was away from Los Angeles preparing for her Broadway debut in the play All My Sons.

Contrast: Tom was spotted showing off a chubbier frame on a hiking trip in Colorado last month (left) but is now telling everyone he's in as good shape as he was in Top Gun (right)

The source added: ‘David has been round at Tom’s house a lot. While Katie and Victoria have been swapping fashion tips on the phone, David has been advising Tom on diet.

‘Tom has a private gym at his home and David has been working out with him.

'He also gave him diet advice. Tom has been sticking to 1,200 calories a day, mostly grilled chicken and fish with lots of vegetables, salads and fruit.

'David put together a work-out regime that included the treadmill, weight training and fencing lessons together.’

Looking lean: Tom with Katie and their two-year-old daughter Suri in New York this month

Victoria, whose favourite snack is low-calorie endamame beans, is known to have mentored Katie, causing speculation that Katie’s weight loss had caused friction between the two couples.

The source said: ‘Victoria has had to take a lot of stick for Katie’s weight loss.

'From the moment they started hanging out together, Katie began losing weight and dressing like Posh.

'Katie is now maintaining her weight by jogging. She was the one who encouraged Tom to ask David for nutritional advice.

LA fitness friends: Tom and David with their wives Katie and Victoria

'Tom has had to watch his weight for years because he’s not that tall and puts on weight easily.

'Now he keeps telling everyone he’s in as good shape now as he was when he did Top Gun. Katie is also delighted.’

Cruise’s new lean look is a far cry from his latest film role as a bloated movie agent in Tropic Thunder, which opens in the UK next month.