Bermuda Tourism is hoping for a surge in business next year from Britain -- thanks to megastar Michael Douglas and his new wife.

The newly wed film celebrity and part-owner of Ariel Sands cottage colony is to give the Island an enormous publicity boost before millions of British TV viewers.

He is to narrate a film about Bermuda for the popular "Wish You Were Here...?'' holiday show, allowing tourism officials to cash in on his massive star appeal across the world.

And the publicity will be even greater in the UK now he has wed Welsh film star Catherine Zeta Jones.

The 30-minute programme is set to go out next March, raising awareness of Bermuda just before the busy summer period begins.

Bermuda Tourism Europe director Ian Parker said the interview with Mr. Douglas was a real coup for the Island.

"It is going to be very, very big,'' he said. "We try very hard to get on these programmes, there is huge demand, everybody is trying to get on them.

"It has a huge impact, we have previous experience where we have been on these programmes, they have immediate impact -- people want to book.'' Mr. Parker said they had been sensitive in the past about using the Mr.

Douglas connection to help sell the Island, but this time the star had been delighted to share his feelings.

Douglas helping to sell Bermuda The TV production company working for Independent Television heard of the link and were immediately sold on the idea. They interviewed the star in London and will be coming to Bermuda in February to complete the filming.

Wish You Were Here...? spokesman Julie Cottee said Mr. Douglas and his new wife are the biggest stars of the moment, with hardly a day going by when they are not in the media glare.

Ms Jones said: "He is a huge star. The publicity has been non-stop, every day, particularly since Catherine Zeta Jones is British.

"He was quite keen to do it because of his connection with Bermuda. He obviously loves the Island and talks fondly of it.

"We are ecstatic about it. It will generate a lot of publicity. We are very excited.'' The show is to be themed "Stars and their Islands'' and will feature Mr.

Douglas talking about the things he likes to do and places he goes in Bermuda.

Ariel Sands is likely to be included as well as other Island places and activities he mentions.

The trip is being organised in conjunction with Bermuda tour operator Prestige Holidays.

Mr. Parker said the last time the Island was shown on British TV, the tour operator's phones were ringing off the hook for days.

"Things like this do generate volume. I couldn't put a number on it but the last time the phone started ringing and just didn't stop for several days -- and that didn't have a personality like this does.

"It will have a huge influence in raising awareness of Bermuda, that is the really fundamental thing. The bookings are a bonus.'' Michael Douglas