Connery supports latest 007

Sean Connery has given his blessing to new James Bond actor Daniel Craig.

The former 007 star said Craig was a “terrific choice” for the role.

Some critics have questioned whether Craig, 34, is right for the part.

But in an interview with BBC Breakfast, Sir Sean said: “He’s a terrific choice. He’s a good actor. It’s a completely new departure.”

The 75-year-old screen legend is to be honoured for lifetime achievement tomorrow night at the European Film Awards in Berlin.

He first starred as Bond in Dr No in 1962 and went on to play the superspy in six more films.

Explaining why he quit the role, he said: “One of the reasons I stopped doing it was because I got really fed up with the space stuff and special effects. I just found it getting more and more influential in the movies.”

But he predicted the next film, Casino Royale, will be a winner with Craig in the lead role.

“Craig’s a great choice, really interesting – different,” he said.

The interview will be shown in full on Monday’s BBC Breakfast programme on BBC1.