The Empire Strikes Becks! David Beckham turns his hand to lightsabers as he challenges Star Wars' John Boyega to duel

By Becky Freeth for MailOnline

Published: 19:02 EST, 17 December 2015 | Updated: 19:10 EST, 17 December 2015

Since retiring from football, David Beckham has been a fashion model, an actor and a savvy businessman. 

But he even tried to knock Star Wars' breakout actor John Boyega a run for his money on Thursday night when he brushed up on his lightsaber skills during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show.

David, 40, wielding the Jedi weapon, challenged The Force Awakens star to a duel while castmembers Daisy Ridley and Carrie Fisher looked on.  

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Challenge you to a duel: David Beckham practised his lightsaber skills with Star Wars' John Boyega (right) on Thursday night as they filmed The Graham Norton Show

Challenge you to a duel: David Beckham practised his lightsaber skills with Star Wars' John Boyega (right) on Thursday night as they filmed The Graham Norton Show

Former footballer David threw caution to the wind in his sharp polka dot suit and clashing tweed tie when he leaped out of his seat to enjoy the moment of glory.

David seemed to have been put through his paces by the newest addition to the film franchise's famous cast.

John joins Daisy as some of the most-celebrated stars of the new film, which also features veterans Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill. 

Brand Beckham: The father-of-four was no doubt facing questions about all things brand Beckham

Brand Beckham: The father-of-four was no doubt facing questions about all things brand Beckham

Getting in some practise: David has already held cameos in such films as The Man From U.N.C.L.E and Knights Of The Roundtable: King Arthur this year

Getting in some practise: David has already held cameos in such films as The Man From U.N.C.L.E and Knights Of The Roundtable: King Arthur this year

New skill: He looked about ready to knock The Force Awakens actor off his top spot too

New skill: He looked about ready to knock The Force Awakens actor off his top spot too

The Empire Strikes Becks: Becks was handed the Jedi weapon by host Graham

The Empire Strikes Becks: Becks was handed the Jedi weapon by host Graham

David, who's enjoyed cameos in Guy Ritchie's The Man From U.N.C.L.E and Knights Of The Roundtable: King Arthur just this year, went one step further to establishing himself as a worthy film star when he learned the essentials skills of a Jedi.

The former Manchester United star also seems to have bred some Star Wars superfans in his family.

Because his eldest boys Brooklyn, 16, and Romeo, 13, were in attendance at the European premiere in London's Leicester Square the previous evening.  

Giddy: He'd been shown up in the superfan stakes by his sons Brooklyn and Romeo, however, because they went to the previous evening's European premiere

Giddy: He'd been shown up in the superfan stakes by his sons Brooklyn and Romeo, however, because they went to the previous evening's European premiere

Sitting with the stars: David was even sandwiched in beside Carrie Fisher (right)

Sitting with the stars: David was even sandwiched in beside Carrie Fisher (right)

Have you been Nort-y or nice? Graham Norton was certainly in the festive spirit for his show

Have you been Nort-y or nice? Graham Norton was certainly in the festive spirit for his show

Stunning star: Along with co-star Daisy Ridley (pictured), John is one of the breakout stars of the new film

Stunning star: Along with co-star Daisy Ridley (pictured), John is one of the breakout stars of the new film

David was there to talk up all things brand Beckham on Thursday, even shooting a glimpse at his latest tattoo tribute from beneath his shirt collar; a rose design dedicated to 'Pretty Lady' daughter Harper. 

David, who also has fourth child Cruz, was not supported by wife Victoria on the night because she was otherwise engaged.

It was revealed that afternoon that within the money-spinning six-piece family, Victoria's companies - including her eponymous fashion house - turned over £34M compared to his £17M this year, making her the biggest breadwinner of the family. 

Smiling star: John was introduced to the franchise in its seventh installment

Smiling star: John was introduced to the franchise in its seventh installment

He's practised: Carrie looked like she'd had just about enough of John and his Jedi jokes

He's practised: Carrie looked like she'd had just about enough of John and his Jedi jokes

The full line-up: David joined Star Wars' Carrie, Daisy, John and then singer Kylie Minogue

The full line-up: David joined Star Wars' Carrie, Daisy, John and then singer Kylie Minogue

Special guest: Carrie brought along her sweet dog Gary to the appearance

Special guest: Carrie brought along her sweet dog Gary to the appearance

He's back: Gary had walked the red carpet with Carrie only the previous evening

He's back: Gary had walked the red carpet with Carrie only the previous evening

She's an Angel: Kylie performed in a winter wonderland of sorts

She's an Angel: Kylie performed in a winter wonderland of sorts

Angellic: She wore a cute little white dress with bow-detail shoes

Angellic: She wore a cute little white dress with bow-detail shoes

Rolling back the years: She was looking as youthful as ever on the show

Rolling back the years: She was looking as youthful as ever on the show

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