William Shatner is struggling to stay in shape because he can't stay away from his favorite Italian restaurant.

The once-trim Star Trek icon has piled on the pounds in the last year and it's all because of a diner near the stables where he and his wife own horses.

Shatner admits his days start out healthy - with a bowl of fruit for breakfast and a swim in his pool - but, by lunchtime, he's ravenous and filling up with pasta.

He says, "Once the menu's in my hand, there's no stopping me. Sometimes I order everything on the menu. Sometimes I order two or three of everything on the menu, so we can try a little bit of each dish."

And his trips to the restaurant are making a huge dent in his fortune - because he insists on treating horse trainers and friends every time he visits the diner. (KL/TG/IG)

Copyright 2008 WENN