Daisy May Cooper shuts down James Bond rumours

Daisy May Cooper has joked about the speculation linking her to the next James Bond film.

A report surfaced in The Sun last week saying that Cooper was going to be cast as M replacing Ralph Fiennes for the next Bond film.

But the comic directly addressed the rumours during a non-appearance at the Royal Television Society Awards in which she won Best Female Comedy Performance.

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Not attending the awards in person, a speech was read out on her behalf which said: "I can't be there because I'm filming Bond... jokes, the only M I'll ever be is Mental."

There have so far been four M's in the James Bond movies – Bernard Lee, Robert Brown, Judi Dench and Fiennes – with the role expected to be recast following the departure of Daniel Craig as 007.

Since Craig's departure, there has been much speculation of who will next take on the mantle of Britain's most famous spy.

One name linked with the role is Happy Valley star James Norton who has said he is "flattered" to have his name in the mix.

Fifty Shades of Grey actor Jamie Dornan has also addressed the speculation linking him to the role: "Of course it's nice to be in those conversations. If you're an actor of a certain age who's had a good year, there's an inevitability about [being mentioned]. But they'll probably replace Daniel Craig with somebody who's never been on one of those lists."

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The current bookies favourite to replace Craig is Aaron Taylor-Johnson despite the actor's already established Hollywood presence and busy schedule that includes Marvel movie Kraven the Hunter, a remake of The Fall Guy that also stars Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt and Robbert Eggers' upcoming adaptation of Nosferatu.

Other names mentioned to take over from Craig include Henry Cavill, Rege-Jean Page and Sope Dirisu.

Watch below: Comedian Daisy May Cooper is reportedly in talks to join the 007 franchise