Daniel Craig is the favourite to be named the new James Bond tomorrow, taking up Pierce Brosnan's Walther PPK* for the 21st 007 outing, Casino Royale, the BBC reports.

Although Colin Farrell, Jude Law, Ewan McGregor and Clive Owen have all been mooted as possible Bonds, the press is backing 37-year-old Craig - star of films such as Road To Perdition and Sylvia. Sony Pictures Entertainment will make the final announcement in London.

Bond buffs will be delighted to learn that the Bond of Casino Royale will be "a younger character with no gadgets", according to screenwriter Paul Haggis - offering the hope that the latest 007 will more accurately reflect Ian Fleming's original creation. ®

Bootnote

*Yes, yes, we know that of late Bond has been packing the Walther P99, but we're having none of it. Major Boothroyd would be outraged.