Ian McKellen refused to take over Richard Harris' role of Professor Dumbledore in the Harry Potter film franchise - because his portrayal of wizard Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings trilogy is far superior to the Hogwarts character.

James Bond, in the shape of Pierce Brosnan, returned recently to the roots of his beginnings when the Irish star forked out for a stay in the Bahamas villa once owned by fellow-countryman, the late Richard Harris.