THE bookmakers may have stopped taking bets on the next James Bond, but 007 expert Dave Worrall is neither shaken nor stirred by the news.

William Hill's were forced to close their book on Friday after a flurry of heavy wagers on Scottish Mission Impossible II actor Dougray Scott.

Hill's spokesman Rupert Adams said: "In the past, gambles such as this have often been right. A lady wanted to bet £870 on Dougray Scott at 8-1. She told us she had some inside information, perhaps she knew he had been to a casting - but she wouldn't say."

But while the bookies appear to have made their minds up about the successor to Pierce Brosnan, Bond fanatic Dave is not convinced - and he should have a pretty good idea.

The Christchurch-based publisher co-wrote The Essential Bond, which has sold in excess of a quarter of a million copies, and has worked on the sets of the last four Bond releases.

"I've heard nothing whatsoever and although it sounds as if there is to be a new James Bond, at the moment it's all just rumours," said Dave.

"Whether or not someone on the inside has information, you don't know but it's all great publicity for the next film. Keep people guessing and you'll get a better response at the box office.

"And although there have been stories about Pierce Brosnan leaving, the filmmakers have never produced a press release saying he definitely won't be in the next film."

Only last week, recent Golden Globe winner Clive Owen was installed as favourite for the coveted role after his Oscar and Bafta nominations for his performance in Closer. And in December, Hill's again exercised caution by stopping all bets after receiving a number of sizeable wagers on Colin Salmon.

"I can't see it being someone very famous," added Dave. "And I don't put Dougray Scott or Clive Owen in that category yet. But with his nominations, Clive Owen might not want to commit to the Bond role at the risk of getting pigeon-holed.

"I don't think they would choose an American actor for it and whoever gets it takes on a huge responsibility. But the Broccoli family have been making these films now for over 40 years and they are not going to make a bad choice."

Originally scheduled for release in November, the next Bond film has been put back to 2006 due to the Sony takeover of MGM Studios.

But Richard West, general manager of Odeon Cinemas in Bournemouth, is confident the release will be another huge hit at the box office, regardless of who is playing the secret agent.

He said: "The great thing about Bond is they publicise it so well even when the film is not out and any positive publicity about movies is always good for us.

"It will all depend on whether the film is any good, of course, but the curiosity value of there being a new Bond will ensure it's a hit."

First published: Feb 1