007 producer 'would love' Daniel Craig to sign up for next Bond film

James Bond might be the most sought-after role in the film industry, but producers are hoping it does not change hands soon.

An executive producer for the last four films gave current 007 Daniel Craig a ringing endorsement, saying he "would love" him to return.

It comes after months of speculation about who would be the next man to portray one of the world's best-loved characters.

Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba and Aidan Turner are among the high-profile names touted to portray the womanising MI6 agent.

But Callum McDougall, who has been a producer on a host of the Bond films, said neither he nor fellow producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli hope to see a changing of the guard.

Asked who would be next to fill 007's tuxedo, he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: "I wish I knew. We love Daniel, we would love Daniel to return as Bond.

"Without any question, he is absolutely Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson's first choice and I know they are hoping for him to come back."

Asked if the job was his if he wanted to sign up for another film, he said: "Absolutely."

Craig, who starred in the last four Bond films, said last year that he would rather "slash my wrists" than do another movie as 007.