Fans have been left gobsmacked after the Top Gun legend, Tom Cruise was spotted getting off a plane at Teesside Airport.

The Hollywood A-lister swapped the F18s soaring across the skies of the US for the more toned-down skies of Teesside as he arrived.

Landing at around 11.30am on Tuesday in front of astounded fans, Cruise was seen stepping from a private jet near the terminal building.

After a few waves and smiles to onlookers, the star was whisked away in a car before boarding a helicopter bound for an undisclosed destination.

York Press: Tom Cruise at Teesside Airport today Picture: NORTHERN ECHOTom Cruise at Teesside Airport today Picture: NORTHERN ECHO (Image: CONTRIBUTOR)

York Press: Tom Cruise at Teesside Airport today Picture: NORTHERN ECHOTom Cruise at Teesside Airport today Picture: NORTHERN ECHO (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

York Press: Tom Cruise at Teesside Airport today Picture: NORTHERN ECHOTom Cruise at Teesside Airport today Picture: NORTHERN ECHO (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

It comes just several weeks after Cruise hit the headlines worldwide for his brilliant reprise as Captain Pete "Maverick" Mitchell in Top Gun: Maverick.

In the North East, cinemas were packed to the rafters with fans eager to catch a glimpse of Cruise in the return of the 1986 franchise.

More to follow