It goes without saying that there's been a hell of a lot of speculation about who will be the the next actor to take on the iconic role of James Bond once Daniel Craig vacates it - but a former Bond star has shared his own thoughts on the matter.

Pierce Brosnan, who played the spy in 'Goldeneye' 'Tomorrow Never Dies', 'The World is Not Enough' and 'Die Another Day', thinks Tom Hardy is the right man for the job.

He told the Mail on Sunday: "‘I think a woman could play Bond but it wouldn’t be James Bond. Daniel Craig has been an incredible Bond. He’s very physical, he looks lethal. You genuinely believe this is someone who could kill a man."

He added: "He will do the next movie, and then I think Tom Hardy could be a good Bond. I’d be happy to see him do it. You need an actor who can put a bit of wiggle into it – that’s what makes Bond."

The next Bond film, directed by Danny Boyle, will see Craig reprise the role for the fifth and final time. Hardy, meanwhile, has just finished filming 'Venom', is currently taking on the role of Al Capone in 'Fonzo' and will be moving onto 'Mad Max: Wasteland' next.