Alfie The Butler

It might be just us but there really does seem to be a better class of hired help around these days. Signing on to join the household staff of Batman 5 Sir Michael Caine has agreed to take on the role of Alfred the butler, confidant to Bruce Wayne and custodian of his stately home. The Oscar-winning star has agreed to join the latest Caped Crusader, Christian Bale, in the role, which was played to perfection by Michael Gough in the four previous films. While we'll obviously mourn the dropping of Gough from the cast list, we can't think of a better man than Sir Michael to inject a little life and humour into the role as Bale's manservant. But that's not all. Sir Michael is apparently also in line to sign on to a sequel to Sandra Bullock's beauty pageant comedy, Miss Congeniality. Managing, along with William Shatner, to absolutely steal the first film out from Miss Bullock's feet, Caine's return to the role of camp coordinator, Victor Melling, should come as very welcome news indeed.