JEREMY IRONS - IRONS TURNED DOWN BRIDESHEAD FILM

British actor JEREMY IRONS has turned down the chance to star in the forthcoming movie remake of 1980s TV mini-series BRIDESHEAD REVISITED. Irons - who played CHARLES RYDER in the 1981 show - was approached for a different role, played by SIR LAWRENCE OLIVIER in the original adaptation of EVELYN WAUGH's novel. But the Oscar winner was reluctant to take on a role played by one of the greatest actor's of all time. Irons says, "They did approach me and ask me to be involved in it - they wanted me to play the part of LORD MARCHMAIN - but I said I couldn't possibly put my feet into the footsteps of Olivier. "Marchmain is also old and dying, so I'm far too young and fit for that." But Irons is confident the film - due to start shooting in May (07) - will be a hit without him. He adds, "I have read the script and I think it's very good."