Have You Heard The News  (Ireland)                                                              "Star tipped for gong after leaving fans all shook up"

IRISH actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers is tipped to win a Golden Globe after getting the nod from the world's press for the Elvis role he originally turned down.

The International Press Academy Satellite Awards, which is seen as an indicator for the Golden Globes, have given him the gong for Best Actor for his performance in the title role of CBS's mini series 'Elvis'.

The 28-year-old Cork actor beat off competition from thousands of American actors to win the role in the two-part biopic.

Rhys Meyers is also nominated for a Golden Globe for the role. The actor, who initially turned down the role because he didn't think he could play the star, spent months trying to perfect Elvis's distinctive accent.

He is currently promoting his latest film, Woody Allen's 'Match Point'.