David Beckham attacked as blonde TV presenter grabs his 'golden balls'

David Beckham has fallen victim to an Italian TV stunt where a presenter made a grab for his groin.

Elena Di Cioccio carried out the "attack" on the stunned LA Galaxy star, who is currently playing for AC Milan, in a show called Le Iene (The Hyenas) as he gave an interview.

She said she wanted to see "how he measured up" after it emerged he had been replaced as an Armani underwear model by Cristiano Ronaldo.

It has been rumoured that England midfielder Beckham, 34, nicknamed Goldenballs by wife Victoria, has benefited from computer enhancement. Ms Di Cioccio told viewers: "We wanted to find out if he was as well endowed as the pictures suggest."

The programme followed Ms Di Cioccio, wearing yellow rubber gloves, to a Milan restaurant where she jumped Beckham.

As she was led away Ms Di Cioccio called out: "I touched it but it's small." An AC Milan source said: "David was not at all pleased with this stunt. He didn't know what was going on and luckily the security team stepped in and stopped her having another go."

Insiders at Le Iene said: "It was just a joke and we hope that Beckham took it in the spirit it was meant."