FITNESS experts in Hampshire have given the thumbsup to superstar singer Craig David’s muscular new look.

As reported in yesterday’s Daily Echo, the Southampton-born R&B superstar showed off his ripped new look in a topless picture he posted on the Internet.

Last night city bodybuilders were quick to praise the singer’s transformation as the result of healthy lifestyle choice.

But those views were not shared by everyone, with some even calling the look “unnatural”.

The 32-year-old star dedicates hours every day to a strict bodybuilding programme.

And while some have criticised his new look, health and fitness professionals have saluted his level of fitness.

Winchesterbased personal trainer Simon Weatherall, 32, said: “He is definitely taking it seriously – I think his is a lot more about diet than exercise. It all looks very natural.”

The former Bellemoor School student has even recruited his friend, the UK’s former heavyweight boxing world champion David Haye, to give him training tips.

And they appear to have paid off, according to Jacob French, a 26-year-old personal trainer, also from Winchester.

He said: “He is definitely doing it right. He has his nutrition down to a tee.

“Low body fat and minimal water retention has made his muscle definition a lot clearer.”

Wayne Niemic, from Southampton, a competitive bodybuilder who owns the Area 51 weights gym, said: “He looks good, as his body fat is low.

“Though he wouldn’t be on a competitive bodybuilder level, he is doing fine.”

However, some Southampton residents were less impressed with Craig’s rippling physique.

Magda Mrugal, 25, said: “He is handsome but his look is totally unnatural. I think that it is a bit too much in terms of muscle.”

And 18-year-old student Francesca Park said: “There’s too much muscle – it’s too tight.”

Representatives for Craig David declined to comment last night.