Mel Gibson is to star in a film version of Eighties telly show The A-Team.

The Braveheart star plays cigar-chomping Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith in the explosive action flick.

Smith - formerly played by the late George Peppard - leads a bunch of rebel commandos who carry out missions for cash while being chased by the US military.

Aussie heart-throb Gibson, 45, will pop up in different disguises, belting out the catchphrase: "I love it when a plan comes together."

Producers reckon the movie will be as hot as the film remake of TV hit Charlie's Angels. Brendan Fraser, 32, star of The Mummy, plays Lieutenant Templeton "Face" Peck - a suave babe magnet.

The part of Sergeant Bosco "BA" Baracus - played on telly by former pro-wrestler Mr T - goes to Taye Diggs, 28. He will sport a Mohican barnet and lavish gold jewellery.

And Meet The Parents star Owen Wilson, 32, will be Captain "Howling Mad" Murdock - spouting rapid-fire nonsense.

Filming is due to start later this year.

The End