Bond bosses silent on Brosnan return reports

James Bond producers are refusing to confirm actress Judi Dench's claim that Pierce Brosnan will play 007 in Casino Royale despite being fired from the franchise.

Dench, who has played Bond's boss M in the last four films, insists fans shouldn't be expecting a new face, contradicting reports both Clive Owen and Daniel Craig are being secretly groomed as the next spy after bosses sacked Brosnan last year.

However, production company Eon are remaining tight-lipped about Dench's revelation. A spokesperson says: "No cast members, locations or release dates can be confirmed."

Dench was quoted as saying: "Despite the fact that everyone on the face of the earth has been tested as his (Brosnan) possible replacement, he'll be doing it again, and it'll be announced come summer."