£2m tempts Sean Connery to u-turn on his promise to never write an autobiography, `The Scotsman` to be published 2006

Sir Sean Connery is to reveal the truth behind his 007 screen legend in the autobiography he previously pledged never to write, reports Ananova.

"The Scotsman" is to tell his life story from his humble beginnings in Edinburgh to superstardom in the James Bond films and beyond.

He is poised to start writing the memoirs after clinching a six-figure deal with HarperCollins, a spokeswoman for the publisher said.

The 73-year-old's frank account is likely to include details of his turbulent marriage to Diane Cilento and his stormy relationship with the Bond film producers.

Sir Sean said: "Having always vowed never to write my autobiography, here I am standing on the runway awaiting my journey into a new space.

"It's rather scary, but utterly exhilarating, and I'm looking forward to it."

The HarperCollins spokeswoman said the autobiography, due for publication in the Autumn of 2006, would be "more honest" than most celebrity memoirs.

"He has promised that he is going to be very frank about his entire life," she said.

HarperCollins chief executive Victoria Barnsley said: "Sean Connery is one of the world's genuine superstars. He means so much to so many people and he's got a great story to tell."

Mort Janklow, who negotiated the high-profile deal for UK and Commonwealth rights to Sir Sean's autobiography, said: "We are honoured to have been selected to represent Sir Sean Connery, whose memoir has long been thought of as the "Holy Grail" for publishers."

Thanks to `Allen` for the alert.

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