IT'S a story Jim, but not as we know it.

Yesterday, we reported that Hollywood star William Shatner had joined the cast of a film about the death of T.E. Lawrence.

Production of the feature film Lawrence: After Arabia has a studio shoot scheduled in Dorset later this month.

However, Mr Shatner has since taken to Twitter to dispute the news, writing: "This is NOT TRUE at all #fakenews"

When the Daily Echo asked the Star Trek actor to get in touch so we could clarify the situation, he replied: "There is no story and you can print a retraction. Asking me to call you appears to be an underhanded way to get an interview. I wouldn't do it for the NY Times or Washington Post."

The Echo has also attempted to contact the actor's media representatives for the facts.

The film's director Mark J.T.Griffin said Mr Shatner had carried out some voiceover work for the project. He was reportedly due to provide the voice for Lowell Thomas, T.E. Lawrence’s publicist. A fee was paid to a charity of the actor's choice.

It is understood Mr Shatner has since withdrawn his consent for his voice to be used.

The film, which is partially crowdfunded, is scheduled for release in May 2020.