Welsh beauty CATHERINE ZETA JONES is tipped to become the first female 00 secret agent appointed by JAMES BOND film chiefs.

The newlywed ENTRAPMENT star has already done a screentest to play PIERCE BROSNAN's sidekick in the 20th Bond movie, BEYOND THE ICE, which will hit cinema screens in 2002.

A senior executive at Bond producers EON says, "Catherine is feisty, independent and very beautiful - a deadly combination for a glamorous spy. Schedule permitting, she's our girl."

If the wife of MICHAEL DOUGLAS - currently enjoying her honeymoon in the Bahamas - takes the role, she will end the male domination of the 00 ranks after 38 years.

Earlier this year (00), Catherine, 31, was named cinema's top action girl at a Hollywood ceremony. (RGS/WNTMI/PDD)

Source: WENN