Simon Pegg has talked about his experience working with Tom Cruise on the set of Mission: Impossible, defending the star from his more vocal critics.

The Shaun of the Dead actor will play the role of Benjamin Dunn, an ally of Cruise's Ethan Hunt in the third movie of the popular Mission: Impossible franchise and has said that Cruise was pleasant to work with.

He is quoted in The Sun as saying: "I was thoroughly impressed by Tom. He goes against every preconception people have about him.

"He was friendly and very welcoming - not weird or short. And he didn't mention Scientology once!"

The comedian also talked about his role in the movie, adding: "He's a technical guy who works for the forces of good, helping out Tom where he can."