Don't like the sun? Suit yourself, Sir Elton

Add sweltering St Tropez temperatures, a cloying mob of fans and a heavy cream suit and it's no wonder Sir Elton John looked a little hot under the collar.

Sitting on his holiday cruiser, the singer appeared decidedly grumpy as he and partner David Furnish set sail.

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Hot stuff: Elton looks uncomfortable in a heavy cream suit in the sweltering heat of St Tropez but partner David looks cooler in his tight shorts

Steady on old chap: Elton stumbles in his clumpy white trainers as he walks towards the boat

It can't have been the shopping trip he had just returned from. The pair managed to accumulate five large bags in a spectacularly successful 45-minute spree at the Dolce & Gabbana store.

Maybe it was the fact that he nearly stumbled on to his boat as up to 100 fans and tourists gathered at the marina to watch him board. He frantically grabbed the handrails for support as dozens of cameras zoomed in on him to slip up.

"Elton seemed a bit shy," an onlooker said. "There were over 100 people there applauding him and shouting his name.

"He gave a quick wave then jumped aboard."

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All aboard: Elton climbs aboard the luxury yacht flanked by David and an assortment of friends

According to sources close to the 60-year-old singer, Sir Elton took the short trip on his pleasure cruiser, Little Saf, on Wednesday to get away from it all with Furnish.

The pair, who earlier had afternoon tea with friends, were driven from their £5million holiday home in the hills behind Nice.

The loyal court: Elton surrounded by friends on his pleasure cruiser in St Tropez