Becks stars as a magazine ‘cover guy’

David Beckham is moving into territory usually held by his wife, Victoria – as the first solo male cover star for a women’s magazine.

Elle said its July issue would be the first time the English footballer had been photographed for the cover of a women’s glossy fashion magazine.

The cover shoot was due to take place in Los Angeles last night and is said to be a nod to the Olympic Games by featuring Beckham, “famous for both his style and athletic prowess”.

Beckham, whose singer-turned-fashion designer wife is usually the one to grace magazines, said he was “honoured to have been asked to be the first ever solo male fashion cover”.

Elle UK has featured males on its cover before, but only as half of a celebrity pairing, who have included Kate Moss and Paul Weller, and Nicole Appleton and Liam Gallagher.

The magazine’s July issue goes on sale on 30 May.