MONTY PYTHON - CLEESE SET FOR PINK PANTHER SEQUEL

Monty Python star John Cleese is set to play Chief Inspector Dreyfus in the sequel to the remake of Pink Panther.

The Fawlty Towers actor joins a burgeoning cast of stars that MGM studios hopes will lead to yet more commercial success for the franchise.

Steve Martin will resume the role of Inspector Jacques Clouseau, while Jean Reno
and Emily Mortimer will also return.

Although the first film was panned by critics, the movie became a commercial hit and included a role for pop superstar Beyonce Knowles.

The new Pink Panther is expected to be released in 2009 and will see the team of hapless detectives trying to track a gang who have stolen the Pink Panther diamond.

Charles Cohen, from MGM, told the BBC: "Steve Martin has successfully re-energised the Pink Panther franchise.

"With this new dynamic cast, Pink Panther 2 is destined to be a commercial success and one of the most highly-anticipated films of 2009."

Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai is also set to star in the new movie.