Dougray Scott is to be the new James Bond, according to the Sunday Mirror today.

The newspaper claims that the actor, who has appeared in films such as Mission: Impossible II and Enigma, will take over the role of Bond for the 21st film in the series, which is expected to be released next year.

A source told the newspaper, "Bosses believe Dougray will be the perfect Bond."

Barbara Broccoli, producer of the Bond series, apparently thinks that Scott can match the performances of Sean Connery - the original James Bond.

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

"Obviously it's not possible for Sean to return at his age, so they have been looking for a young actor with similar characteristics. Since then Barbara and Dougray have been in talks - and she believes he will be the perfect new 007 for the 21st Century."

Pierce Brosnan announced that he wouldn't be continuing in the role of James Bond, earlier this year.