Diddy blows thousands on Bond audition tape

Sean 'Diddy' Combs is so sure he will be picked as the first black James Bond - he has splashed out $750,000 (€591,273) on making his 007 audition tape.

The hip hop mogul has previously spoken of his desire to play an African-American incarnation of the suave superspy, and has set plans in motion to ensure he lands the coveted role.

Combs travelled to the luxurious South of France to film the promo near the Casino Royale; the inspiration behind current blonde Bond Daniel Craig's debut film in the long-running franchise.

The rapper took to the skies in a helicopter, wearing a tuxedo and surrounded by his very own Bond girls.

And the star is adamant that after Craig has surrendered his license to kill, he will be in line for the part - because of US president-elect Barack Obama's historical victory at the American election earlier this month.

He tells the Daily Mirror: "This is my audition tape for the next James Bond. There is a black president and it's time for there to be a black Bond."

But he's facing some stiff competition - Akon and Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx are also reportedly keen to play the legendary secret agent.