John Cleese fans will be sad to hear that his character, Q, will most likely not feature in the next Bond movie, Casino Royale.

The director, Martin Campbell, sees no part for the Python star to play in what he intends to be a grittier, more realistic affair than recent Bond movies.

Campbell said: "Casino Royale will be a grittier, tougher and more realistic Bond movie.

"We'll be getting away from the huge visual effects and comic relief."

Cleese commented sagely: "If I'm told that there is a Q, I will be Q.

"But unfortunately, I don't believe there's a Q in the current version of the script," he added.