5 AUGUST 2002
Welsh beauty Catherine Zeta-Jones has reportedly turned down a multi-million dollar offer to design and model lacy wares for American lingerie firm Victoria’s Secret – and husband Michael Douglas is said to be behind the refusal.

British newspaper Daily Mail reports Catherine was flattered at the proposal, but her Hollywood star hubby convinced her to pass. “Michael couldn’t stand the thought of guys running to the mailbox each morning to get a glimpse of his wife,” an insider is quoted as saying. “He was so relieved when she turned it down that he presented her with a consolation gift.” The present was said to be a diamond-studded Celtic cross.

Had the sexy Entrapment star accepted the deal, however, her company would have been none too shabby. Victoria’s Secret boasts a bevy of supermodels in its catalogue’s pages, including US model-actress Tyra Banks and Latin American catwalk star Gisele Bundchen. The Brazilian babe has reportedly signed a four-year £17 million deal with the undie giant.

Catherine is already the face for T-Mobile International and Elizabeth Arden, and recently made an appearance an Alfa Romeo commercial shown only in continental Europe.