Daniel Craig's family react to Bond news

Daniel Craig's family has reacted to the news that the relatively unknown actor will be filling Pierce Brosnan's shoes as James Bond.

The Layer Cake star has been interested in peforming since the age of eight, when he devised a stage show while on a cruise with his grandparents.

Tim Wroughton-Craig, Daniel's father, told The Mirror, "I've never been a Bond fan. I'm delighted for him. He is a fantastic actor and deserves all his success. It's great to see him doing so well. I see him as a rather dangerous Bond - he'll bring a dark menace to the role."

Brenda Davies, the actor's drama teacher at high school, revealed that Craig astounded her with an audition for a production of Oliver in 1981.

"My jaw nearly hit the floor when he got up on stage," Davies explained. "He had such timing and range and he had stage presence for a 13-year-old. I thought, 'What have we here?'"

Daniel regrets that his grandfather, who encouraged his acting ambition, is not here to share the excitement with him. Olwyn Williams died this year at the age of 96.

"I think it's still painful for him," Tim added.