Daniel Craig is set to have his manhood whacked - Oct 20 2005
Daniel Craig is set to have his manhood whacked with a carpet-beater in the next ’James Bond’ movie. The nasty torture scene sees 007’s enemy, Le Chiffre, "tenderise" the dashing spy’s private parts with a cane carpet-beater. The episode is one of the most well-known moments in Ian Fleming’s spy thriller ’Casino Royale’ - and film bosses are determined to stick to the book.

However director Martin Campbell admitted filming the scene - which is supposed to see Bond arch in an "involuntary spasm" as the baddie tortures him - would be a challenge. He is quoted in the Daily Star newspaper as saying: "I’m still not quite sure how I’m going to film that scene." The director added: "I think ’Casino Royale’ will definitely be darker. More character, less gadgets. This will be grittier."

Meanwhile, according to a report in the Daily Mirror newspaper, Craig never wanted to play James Bond - because the role wasn’t challenging enough. After meeting producers in May he said: "I really never wanted to do Bond." When asked if there would be any emotional challenge, he said: "There’s not. I want that to change. But I don’t know how much of a fight that’d be." However the 37-year-old admitted: "I want to make as much money as I can!" A friend revealed: "He couldn’t refuse. But that doesn’t mean he’s 100% happy."

Daniel Craig is the next James Bond - Oct 14 2005
Daniel Craig has been named as the next James Bond. The ’Layer Cake’ star - who was recently rumoured to have had a fling with Jude Law’s ex-fiancée Sienna Miller - won the coveted part of the dashing spy after an 18 month search to replace Pierce Brosnan.

The 37-year-old actor - who will be the first ever blond Bond - beat actor Henry Cavill to the role. Hollywood heartthrobs such as Clive Owen, Colin Farrell and Hugh Jackman were also in the running to step into Bond’s tuxedo for the new movie, ’Casino Royale’. A movie source told The Sun newspaper: "The decision to give Daniel the role was taken earlier this week. It followed a crunch meeting at the weekend. "There was some lively debate between the producers and the directors, but Daniel won out." Film bosses are expected to confirm the news later today.

The star’s mother, Carol, told Liverpool’s Daily Post newspaper the whole family is over the moon Daniel will be the sixth Bond. She said: "Obviously we are thrilled to bits. "It has come at a very good time in his career. He has worked extremely hard all his life and this would be his biggest populist role. It will be life-changing."

Daniel Craig named the next James Bond - Oct 05
Daniel Craig has reportedly been named the next James Bond, just days after reportedly seducing screen beauty Sienna Miller.

The handsome star won the coveted part of the dashing spy after an 18 month search to replace Pierce Brosnan. Earlier this week, it was alleged Daniel - who will be the first blond Bond - had a two-week fling with his ’Layer Cake’ co-star Sienna - which caused her boyfriend Jude Law to dump her.