Lees 'disgusted' by Harris rumours

Christopher Lee says he's "disgusted" by rumours that he will replace the late Richard Harris as Professor Albus Dumbledore in future Harry Potter films - and he also dismissed suggestions that Harris, who died recently of Hodgkin's Disease, was only second choice for the role after Lee had turned it down.

Lee says he was never approached about replacing Harris: "I don't know where these rumours come from, but I find it all a bit distasteful so soon after his death."

On the other hand, Hollywood insiders say one name in the frame as a possible replacement is 72-year-old Harry Robinson, the actor who doubled for Harris in the first two Potter films.

He will, according to reports, play the Prof in the next HP film, The Prisoner of Azkaban, but others say producers are likely to go for a bigger name.