Elton John has been named the most powerful celebrity in Britain.

He's also the ninth most influential in the world, according to US business magazine Forbes.

Elton, who raked in £25million for a string of gigs in Las Vegas last year, pipped Harry Potter author JK Rowling and England hero David Beckham for a place in the top 10.

Talkshow queen Oprah Winfrey, 51, took the crown of most powerful celebrity, with a wage packet of around £128million.

Forbes compiled the list by studying celebrities' earnings, internet presence, cover stories and other media exposure.

Golfer Tiger Woods, actor Mel Gibson, director George Lucas and basketball star Shaquille O'Neal complete the top five.

Director and producer Steven Spielberg and actor Johnny Depp came in sixth and seventh.

Madonna was just ahead of Sir Elton with earnings estimated at £28.5million, but Elton edged Hollywood icons Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt into 10th and 11th spots respectively.

David Beckham, 30, was the best paid footballer, pocketing £18million in the last 12 months, and Rod Stewart was among other well-placed Brits in 32nd spot.

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