In a quirky piece of casting that is sure to get fans talking, actor Toby Stephens will play James Bond in a new radio adaptation of "Dr No". The play is currently in production and will be aired as part of the Ian Fleming centenary celebrations next year.

Sixth Novel, First Film
Radio is a medium that Bond has not been too familiar with, but Eon Productions own the rights and granted permission for a "once-and-once-only" dramatisation of Ian Fleming's 1958 novel to the radio format. Back in 1956, Bob Holness starred as 007 in an adaptation of "Moonraker" for South African radio.

Eon had casting approval for Bond in the play and Stephens, who played villain Gustav Graves opposite Pierce Brosnan in the 2002 movie "Die Another Day", was their number one choice.

The radio version of "Dr No" is currently under production at Air-Edel Studios near Baker Street, London. It is the first time the tale has been adapted for this format and and will feature Bond's inner voice. "Dr No" was the first 007 adventure adapted for the silver screen in 1962, and its selection for a new radio play further indicates acceptance from the literary world that, despite Fleming's novels pre-dating the film franchise by almost a decade, Bond is a movie icon in the public consciousness.