TOM HANKS's CAST AWAY co-star WILSON THE VOLLEYBALL has become so popular he even has his own personal publicist.

Three volleyballs were cast in the role of Hanks's desert island companion and one has already been auctioned off for more than $18,000 (£12,000). Wilson's publicist MOLLY MURPHY-WALLACE says that she's astounded by the attention the volleyball's been getting. "In no way did we ever guess there'd be this much great exposure," she said.

Murphy-Wallace is also communications manager for Wilson, the company which makes the volleyballs. She says the film has done wonders for the brand's image. "Originally when they took the product, it was never intended to be named Wilson, so it was absolutely terrific," she said. Wilson's performance has proved so popular he has even been given a special award from the Broadcast Film Critics' Association as Best Inanimate Object.

The company are keen to develop Wilson's popularity and are considering producing a special Cast Away volleyball. Instead of the usual movie tie-in action figure, Wilson would be a ball complete with a simulated Tom Hanks handprint. (PDD/WNWCAN)

Source: WENN