Tom Cruise thanks fans for support while jumping out of a plane on Mission Impossible shoot

Tom Cruise thanked fans for his huge box office success this year as he was about to jump out a plane.

The Top Gun star was filming a scene for the set upcoming Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning project, when he decided to give  a shout out to his fans.

Looking into the camera while half outside the plane, the actor said: "Hey everyone.

“Here we are over stunning South Africa, where we’re filming Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning parts one and two.

"I didn’t want the year to end without thanking you all for coming out to the theatres and thank you for supporting Top Gun: Maverick."

He was then interrupted by director Christopher McQuarrie, who tried to hurry him along as they had to "get the shot".

Cruise then proceeded to jump from the plane, before turning back to the camera and continuing on with his message.

In freefall, Cruise, who known for doing his own daredevil stunts in his filmshe continued: "I’m running out of altitude, so I have to get back to work.

“We have to get this shot.

"You have a very safe and happy holiday, we’ll see you at the movies."

The 60-year-old reprised his iconic role as Pete "Maverick" Mitchell in the sequel to 1986’s Top Gun earlier this year.

The film was a smash hit worldwide becoming the most successful film in Paramount’s 110-year history.

It was also the first of Cruise’s films to reach $1bn (£827m) at the box office.