BURRELL THE MOVIE STAR

PAUL Burrell is in line for a part in a big-budget Hollywood romantic comedy.

The former royal butler - cleared of stealing from Princess Diana - is up for the role as a manservant alongside major stars Jack Nicholson, Keanu Reeves and Diane Keaton.

In the last few days 44-year-old Paul, who was flying back from the USA yesterday, is understood to have had a screen test in Los Angeles.

The astonishing twist in the butler's career comes after he was spotted giving an interview on American TV following the sensational collapse of his Old Bailey theft trial last month.

US lawyer Richard Green saw him being quizzed and was so impressed by his poise that he recommended him to a casting agent friend.

The result was the offer of the audition - and movie-lover Paul jumped at the chance.

His agent Dave Warwick, who stayed in the UK while Paul was on the four-day trip, said yesterday: "Paul was delighted with the approach and is giving the part serious consideration. I will know more when he gets back." In the as-yet-untitled comedy, Nicholson plays a man with a younger girlfriend who has a heart attack at the home of her mother - played by Annie Hall star Keaton.

Keanu Reeves plays the young doctor who cares for him - and who also falls for Keaton.

The film is being written and directed by Nancy Meyers, whose previous hits include The Parent Trap and What Women Want. The Columbia Pictures production is due for release next autumn.

A friend of Paul's said: "He is very excited about it. He has had so many different offers since his trial collapsed but this one has really gripped him.

"He is mad about the movies and is a Jack Nicholson fan, so to be asked to test for one of his films is a great honour and he has jumped at it. I don't think it's just a bit-part - it's a proper role."

The friend added: "He loves America and, in many ways, that's where he sees his future."

On Thursday, Paul - known to Diana as her "rock" - gave a major interview on CNN's Larry King Live show.

Last week the Sunday Mirror revealed how father-of-two Paul is carving out a lucrative media career after being inundated with offers for everything from TV and books to a pop record.

His book on royal etiquette, Entertaining With Style, has been reprinted and is expected to be a Christmas best-seller.

And, when pressed by Larry King, Paul gave his strongest hint yet that he would write another book, based on his royal service.

He said: "I'm going to try to do something which has dignity, style and integrity all rolled into one.

In response to a phone caller on the show, Paul also revealed one little-known fact - that Prince Harry now has Princess Diana's engagement ring.

He said: "When the boys were asked what they would like of their mother's possessions, William chose her watch and Harry chose her engagement ring."

FILMS HE COULD

HAVE BEEN IN

-The Rock

-On Her Majesty's Secret Service

-Arthur (as Dudley Moore's butler)

-The Servant

-Presumed Innocent

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