The star of Evita and The Mask of Zorro said in an interview on Spanish National Radio that he was inspired by the idea while having dinner with the Colombian writer.

"I didn't think the stories were developed enough for the big screen and thought the television format would make for a quality series," said Banderas, who with wife Melanie Griffith is visiting his family in Spain.

Banderas recently made his directorial debut with Crazy in Alabama, a film about the US civil rights movement of the 1960s, which premieres at the Venice Film Festival in September.

Keanu's set to become a father

Hollywood star Keanu Reeves is set to become a father, according to reports from the US.

The mother-to-be is aid to be Reeves's long-term girlfriend Jennifer Skye, but apparently the couple have no plans to marry.

The 34-year-old actor, who shot to fame in films like Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure and Speed, recently topped box offices worldwide with the special effects-laden sci-fi movie, The Matrix.

Dexy's star Rowland in career re-launch

Former Dexy's Midnight Runners star Kevin Rowland is to sing live for the first time in 14 years, after finally overcoming stage fright.

The Come On Eileen singer, who is relaunching his career after bankruptcy and drug problems, will play at Reading and Leeds festivals next month.

However, he said: "I want to stress that it's not a proper gig. I'm singing only three songs to a pre-recorded backing track, I don't want anyone to be disappointed."

Harsh words for Halliwell from Sporty

Mel C has harsh words for ex-colleague, Geri Halliwell and says Posh's wedding was beautiful but "over the top", in a revealing interview with Q magazine.

Sporty, who is working on her first solo album, says Geri is "a great celebrity, but musically it doesn't come from the heart. It's just hollow".

Sporty also admits to dabbling with drugs in the past, but denies rumours that she's a lesbian, adding: "No wonder I have trouble getting blokes!"

Teletubbies say: 'Come on let's dance'

The nation's best-loved TV characters, the Teletubbies, are setting out on a roadshow around England next week.

"Dance With The Teletubbies" is a way for young fans to dance and have fun with the characters, who are shown on a big video screen.

The children dance with the Teletubbies and trained play-leaders in a soft play area which allows parents and carers to watch their children have fun.

Rumours of Titanic star Kate's new film

The latest on the Hollywood grapevine is that Kate Winslet is to team up with The Mummy star Brendan Fraser for a dark, romantic comedy.

Director Joel Schumacher won't give too much away, but says the film is likely to be a low-budget, character-driven piece, very different from Titanic.

"Then you don't have the pressure to bring in megabucks... you have more freedom to simply concern yourself with the story," he explained.

Co-star admires 'professional' Roberts

Actor Hector Elizondo, who played the hotel manager in Pretty Woman, has teamed up once again with former co-stars Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.

Elizondo, who plays a newspaper editor in the romantic comedy Runaway Bride, out in the UK in October, was struck by the changes to Roberts.

Ten years after the smash hit Pretty Woman, he calls Julia "a consummate professional". He adds: "She's a far more interesting actor now."

Sly's Get Carter remake 'on track'

The new version of the British gangster classic Get Carter, with Sylvester Stallone in the Michael Caine role, starts shooting in October, according to reports.

The 1971 original was directed by Mike Hodges, but the re-make will be the work of Stephen Kay. No details of the other cast members have been released.