Cleese dropped from next Bond movie

British comedian John Cleese is desperate to resume his role as eccentric inventor Q in the next James Bond film - but movie bosses have removed his character from the sequel.

Martin Campbell, the director of the 21st superspy movie Casino Royale, has dropped the Monty Python comedian's character because his plans for a serious, realistic Bond movie would be undermined by Cleese's humorous part.

Cleese says: "If I'm told that is 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."

Campbell adds: "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."