Craig arrives for unveiling shaken, but not stirred

AH, Mr Craig, we've been expecting you.

Sat, 15 Oct, 2005 - 01:00

Sherna Noah

Daniel Craig was finally unveiled as the sixth James Bond yesterday on a Royal Marine speedboat on the Thames.

The 37-year-old actor arrived in true 007 style to make the official announcement that he would be the next movie superspy.

Flanked by Royal Marines, smartly suited Craig boarded a rigid raider craft at HMS Belfast, which sped under London's Tower Bridge before mooring at the jetty of HMS President, where he was introduced to the world's press.

A beaming Craig was asked how he was feeling about his new role as he walked up the gangplank to HMS President. Craig replied: "I'm speechless at the moment."

The sixth actor to play the suave secret agent posed for photographers on the gangplank with his arms around Bond producer Barbara Broccoli.

At the press conference, Craig promised to take the role in a new direction.

Speaking about the challenge he faces taking on the job in the next movie Casino Royale, he said: "I've just got to step up to the plate and deal with it."

Asked about his secondary modern education - he left school aged 16 - he said: "I don't have many qualifications but hopefully I've got something I can bring to this."

He dodged a question about his private life when asked if he would prefer Kate Moss or Sienna Miller - two women who he has been linked with - as a Bond girl.

"I'm not going to get into that," he said.

He said he was always confident he would win the coveted role after the producers spent 18 months looking for a new star to replace Pierce Brosnan.

"I had a confidence about it ... I felt good about it," he said.

He revealed that he did not know for sure that he had the job until last Monday.

Despite his confidence, he said his first reaction to the news was: "I need a drink."

He also gave an indication he may not be doing all his own stunts when he referred to his arrival yesterday.

"I'd like to thank the Royal Marines for bringing me in like that - and scaring the shit out of me," said the actor, who revealed that he had been a Bond fan since he was boy.

THE five other actors granted a licence to kill:

SEAN CONNERY

Dr No (1962)

From Russia With Love (1963)

Goldfinger (1964)

Thunderball (1965)

You Only Live Twice (1967)

Diamonds Are Forever (1971)

GEORGE LAZENBY

On Her Majesty's Secret Service 1969

ROGER MOORE

Live And Let Die (1973)