Tom Cruise has regained his crown as the king of the stars, according to an influential league table released today.
The Hollywood legend is ranked number one in the list of the 100 most powerful celebrities produced by magazine Forbes.
Earnings of 67 million dollars (£40 million) from blockbuster The War of the Worlds and prolific publicity surrounding his whirlwind romance with actress Katy Holmes helped secure Cruise the top spot that he last held in 2001.
But his pay packet paled next to that of the film’s director Steven Spielberg, who raked in a staggering 332 million dollars (£195 million) to come sixth in the table.
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It was also a good year for British stars, according to the ratings, which are based on column inches and internet presence as well as earnings.
Veteran rockers The Rolling Stones are at number two, while Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Elton John are places at 14 and 16 respectively.
Harry Potter Creator JK Rowling is at 19, X Factor host Simon Cowell comes in at 29, and model Kate Moss confirms an amazing comeback from drug-taking allegations by securing her highest placing yet at 77.
England captain David Beckham, however, slips 17 spots to 43.
Irish band U2 are in fourth place, largely thanks to singer Bono’s continuing high-profile battle against poverty in Africa.
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Last year’s winner, Oprah Winfrey, drops to number three, while the highest placed sportsman is golfer Tiger Woods at five, and Dan Brown is rewarded for the phenomenal success of his Da Vinci Code with 10th place.
Here are the top 10 most powerful celebrities:
1. Tom Cruise
2. Rolling Stones
3. Oprah Winfrey
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4. U2
5. Tiger Woods
6. Steven Spielberg
7. Howard Stern
8. 50 Cent
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9. Cast of Sopranos
10. Dan Brown