Ed Westwick outside the Ray-Ban Remasters event - held at the Bowery Ballroom, New York City, USA - 09.12.08

The British actor, 21, grew up watching Beckham play for U.K. soccer giant Manchester United, and idolised the star throughout his teens.

But when he finally got the chance to meet his hero, Westwick ran the other way.

He tells U.K. magazine Reveal, "I was at this ball in New York that was so grand David Bowie was sitting at the next table and shook hands with George Clooney.

"Then I went to the toilet and there was David Beckham. I couldn't say anything, I just ran out. A friend tried to persuade me to say, 'Hello,' but I couldn't do it. It was ridiculous.

"But I had a Beckham shirt when I was a kid and he was the one I watched growing up."

And despite his best efforts, Westwick admits he still can't bring himself to approach the sports star.

He adds, "There have been a couple of times now that I've been in the same room as him, but I just can't go up to him. I can't do it."

Source: WENN