Springer takes movie role

Jerry Springer is to star alongside Christopher Lambert in new Steven Soderbergh film Citizen Jury.

It is set in a New Orleans courtroom where the trials are televised and the viewing public play the jury.

The US chat show host will play a crooked TV boss who tries to increase the ratings by fixing the verdicts.

Springer will be guest presenting The Wright Stuff on Channel 5 next week, after signing a one-year deal to make regular appearances on the show.

He has also signed a new four-year contract for his Jerry Springer Show.

"There is no reason to stop," he told Daily Mirror's Look magazine.

"I still enjoy it, I have fun. It's not too hard work and it doesn't require a lot of me. It's so popular because it's so stupid. No one takes it seriously. It's just an escape."