Sam Mendes ups the ante with the rumoured casting of Albert Finney

With James Bond 23 less than a week away from its official launch, Baz Bamigboye, writing in the Daily Mail has heard tell that Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes surprised his principal cast by ushering in 75 year old Albert Finney.

Bamigboye is a normally reliable showbiz columnist, who writes for the Mail, amongst other publications.

According to an insider interviewed by the journalist: "‘It was one of those fabulous 'This can’t get any better!' moments because Mendes has upped the game by bringing in Bardem and Fiennes - and they’ve already got Dame Judi Dench. So you think, well, who else can they get to make this any classier?'"

Bamigboye also reiterates the long-running rumour that Naomie Harris will play Miss Moneypenny as if it is now confirmed. It was a rumour first spread by the same publication in July 2011.

It is understood that rehearsals are taking place this week and principal photography commences next week.

Thanks to `bondsum` for the alert.

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