Hollywood actor Bruce Willis will be the head of the judges that will pick up the most beautiful woman in Italy, Miss Italia, later this month.

"Each year we look for a big name that is attractive to the public and pleasant for the girls," said Marcello Cambi, spokesman for the national beauty contest.

Chief organizer Patrizia Mirigliani said: "We thought we'd surprise the girls by inviting a big star who is also considered a major sex symbol."

The contest will take place on 19 September when the jury and the public will cast their votes to pick the next Miss Italia from 101 contestants.

Previous judges included Sophia Loren, Marcello Mastroianni, Claudia Cardinale, Catherine Deneuve, Alain Delon and Gerard Depardieu.