New 007 will be hoping dye-jobs aren’t forever

“LIVE and let’s dye” declared the selectors of our first blond Bond, happy with everything but his hair colour.

With Daniel Craig, 37, as the new face of 007, blond will be the new black.

Cue the purveyors of hair colour to tilt for the task of darkening Craig’s thatch.

Maxim Permanent Haircolour For Men can offer Mahogany Mojo, for highlights, tips, or overall colour change, but what Bond wants to liken his locks to a hardwood? Just for Men Shampoo-In Haircolour comes in jetblack and is the safer, wash-out option. Maxim, with its “express yourself” slogan, can also offer its “Blackjack” colour product, much more in keeping with the setting for the upcoming Casino Royale.

Whatever they choose, taking the blond out of Bond should be less difficult than keeping the lid on Craig’s selection.

His character may be the master of intrigue but Daniel Craig’s mammy has no handle on omerta.

Yesterday should have seen the official announcement, but Carol Craig could not contain her excitement. When contacted by the Liverpool Daily Post the day before, she declared herself “obviously thrilled to bits”, which doubtless left moguls at Columbia Pictures less than ecstatic.

George Lazenby, Bond in just one film - “On her Majesty’s Secret Service” - was similarly enthused. “You reporters are back, huh? They must have another new Bond, because that’s the only time anyone ever wants to talk to me,” he said to hacks who arrived at his door to brief him on the good news.

Sean Connery, the first Bond, was his usual magnanimous self. “What, another one! I can still play that part. People Magazine said that I’m the sexiest man alive. No one else can say “Bond, James Bond” like me or give the right twist on “Shaken, not stirred.”