AS if he doesn't have enough on his plate - a starring role in the upcoming film version of the musical Mamma Mia!, a sequel to The Thomas Crown Affair right afterwards - now comes word that Pierce Brosnan has signed on for yet another project, but this one sounds like a whole lot of fun. Brosnan will narrate the voice of Thomas the Tank Engine in the next series of Thomas & Friends, the hit animated children's show seen around the world. "One of my fondest memories as a father was sharing the stories of Thomas the Tank Engine and watching the series with my children when they were young," Brosnan said last week.

"I am thrilled by the opportunity to be the narrator for this beloved series, following in the shoes of so many famous names, and helping introduce Thomas and friends to many more generations of children."

The show's producers are so confident that Pierce will make an excellent Thomas that they've inked him to a three-season deal, which also includes the DVD releases. Though he's already started work on the new gig, his voice won't make the airwaves until the new season arrives on PBS stations all over the country next year.

"To say we are thrilled that Pierce Brosnan is the new narrator of Thomas & Friends is an understatement," said the chief exec of HIT Entertainment, which owns the British-based Thomas franchise.

"Pierce brings a wealth of acting experience to the role, as well as a unique voice that children and parents around the world will recognize and trust. Pierce's contribution will go a long way in maintaining this iconic character as one of the most loved children's brands in the world."