Hanks to produce Deep Throat film

Mark Felt, who admitted being Deep Throat, with daughter Joan

Actor and film-maker Tom Hanks is to produce a picture about Deep Throat, the former FBI agent who leaked secrets during the Watergate scandal.

Universal has obtained the film rights to the story, and struck a deal with Hanks' company Playtone.

But it remains uncertain whether Hanks will also play the role of Mark Felt, the man whose 1970s revelations led to President Richard Nixon's resignation.

Mr Felt, 91, has signed a book deal to tell his story.

His identity remained secret for 31 years until he unmasked himself in a Vanity Fair magazine article earlier this month.

Mr Felt's revelations about President Nixon's attempt to obstruct justice - which led to the President's resignation in 1974 - led some to consider him a hero and others to condemn him as a traitor who betrayed his loyalties to the FBI.

Universal spokesman Paul Pflug said it was too early to say whether Hanks would take the lead role.

"At this point he's a producer on the film," said Mr Pflug.

Bob Woodward, one of the two Washington Post reporters who dealt with Deep Throat in their coverage of the story, is due to publish his own book in July.