PATRICK DEMPSEY - DEMPSEY SIGNS UP AS FACE OF AVON

PATRICK DEMPSEY has signed up as the face of a new men's fragrance for beauty giant Avon. The Grey's Anatomy star will front the as-yet-unnamed scent, which is set to be launched globally next year (09), in a deal reported to be worth $5 million (GBP2.5 million) over three years. Andrea Jung, of Avon, says, "We are thrilled to partner with Patrick Dempsey - an incredibly accomplished actor who has achieved such broad appeal because of his genuine authenticity, charisma and style. "We're extremely impressed with both his on and off screen accomplishments, and have a shared commitment to giving back to communities in ways both big and small." Dempsey adds, "This is an extremely exciting opportunity for me to work with Avon - a brand I have long respected as a global powerhouse with a lot of heart and soul." But it won't be the first involvement with Avon in the Dempsey household - the actor's wife Jillian has served as the company's global creative colour director since 2006.