Catherine's underwear? Secret!

At the age of 57, Michael Douglas is usually more than happy to show off his beautiful young wife to the world.

But the Hollywood star has put his foot down over the latest attempt to showcase Catherine Zeta Jones, who at 32 is 25 years his junior.

The Welsh actress was offered a multi-million-pound sum to become the new face - and, more importantly, body - of Victoria's Secret, the American company famous for its sexy and seductive lingerie.

She was said to have been flattered at being given the chance to design her own glamorous underwear line which would be launched worldwide.

But according to reports in the U.S. last night, she has turned the down the opportunity after pleas from her husband.

Observers suggested that Douglas, the Fatal Attraction star who ten years ago was treated for 'sex addiction' and whose infidelity caused the collapse of his first marriage, is keen to keep his wife's charms for himself.

One American fashion pundit reported: 'Millions of dollars have been thrown at Catherine Zeta Jones to get her to strip down to her lacy undergarments, but Michael Douglas thinks it's an indecent proposal.

'Victoria's Secret hoped to get the actress to be their spokes-model.

'They felt that having Catherine in their catalogue would generate new business and they even asked her to help design a line of undies especially for women her age and up.

'But Douglas couldn't stand the thought of guys running to their mailbox each month to get a glimpse of his wife.' The commentator added: 'Michael was relieved she decided against it and presented her with a consolation gift for giving up the opportunity, a Celtic cross with six canary diamonds.' Last night a spokesman for Victoria's Secret was unavailable for comment.

But Miss Zeta Jones's decision means she will not be joining the likes of models Tyra Banks and Gisele Bundchen, who parade Victoria's Secret lingerie on the catwalk and in glossy brochures and advertisements.