THE name's Craig...Daniel Craig.

The Chester-born actor looks to take on one of the most famous parts on the silver screen - by landing the role of James Bond.

Daniel Craig has been picked as the next 007, according to industry insiders.

An official announcement is expected at any moment but Daniel's mother Carol Olivia was struggling to keep the secret that her son will soon be sipping vodka Martinis.

She said on Wednesday: 'Obviously we are thrilled to bits.

'It has come at a very good time in his career. He has worked extremely hard all his life and this would be his biggest populist role.

'I think he could bring something very interesting to the part. It will be life-changing.'

Daniel grew up in Hoylake in Wirral and moved to London at the age of 16 to find fame and fortune.

On his third attempt he got into Guildhall drama college, working alongside contemporaries Ralph Fiennes (also once touted as a possible Bond) and Ewan McGregor.

He has worked steadily ever since and has earned a reputation as a serious actor for his theatre work.

His first major role was on the small screen playing Geordie Peacock in the gritty drama Our Friends In The North.

More recently Daniel has starred alongside Angelina Jolie in Lara Croft Tomb Raider and as poet laureate Ted Hughes in Sylvia, with Gwyneth Paltrow.

During the past year he has also hit the headlines for his dalliances with A-list celebrities and has been romantically linked to both Kate Moss and Sienna Miller.

Daniel would be the sixth actor to take on the James Bond mantle in the classic series, taking over from Pierce Brosnan who last played the role in Die Another Day in 2002.

If all goes according to plan, Daniel will star in a new version of Casino Royale - the first Bond novel written by his creator Ian Fleming. It is the only book not to form part of the hugely successful 007 series although a spoof version was made in 1967.

Filming is expected to begin in January.

On Wednesday Daniel's agent refused to confirm or deny the casting, as did production company Sony.