New Bond chosen?

Scottish actor Dougray Scott has been hotly tipped to replace Pierce Brosnan as James Bond.

10:45 13 September 2004

Scottish actor Dougray Scott has been hotly tipped to replace Pierce Brosnan as James Bond.

Bookies have stopped taking bets on the star of Mission: Impossible 2 to become 007, after his odds nosedived from 10/1 to 3/1.

"He was always considered an outsider, but he went from 10/1 two months ago to 3/1 on Friday night, when we decided to close the book. We were quite shocked because we have always had Colin Farrell down as the favourite," a spokesman from bookmakers Ladbrokes told the Scotsman.

Scott has beaten rivals including Troy star Eric Bana and Alexander star Colin Farrell to the role, according to reports.

The Sunday Mirror reported that Scott was picked after producers decided that a brooding Bond in the Sean Connery mould was in order.

One source told the paper: "Bosses believe Dougray will be the perfect Bond.

"Producers have been eager to take Bond back to the broody and sexy figure that Sean was so brilliant at.

"Obviously it's not possible for Sean to return at his age, so they have been looking for a young actor with similar characteristics."

Scott, born in Fife, has starred in films including Mission: Impossible 2 and Enigma, as well as Ever After and Deep Impact.

If the rumours are true he will become the seventh actor to pick up the famous Walter PPK and will star in the 21st outing for 007, set for release in November next year.

Scott said last year that if offered the part his Bond would be: "Scottish and manly."