Save Western democracy, pour yourself a neat Vesper and pay attention: 2008 is the centenary of the birth of James Bond creator Ian Fleming, and anniversary celebrations are on the cards. Not only will 007 encore in a new cinematic caper (the currently enigmatically named Bond 22) but he's also returning to the worlds of print and radio.
First up, the BBC have just announced a full-cast dramatisation of Dr No, Fleming's sixth Bond adventure and the first entry in the big screen saga. Bond will be played by Toby Stephens, familiar to fans as genetically-manipulated villain Gustav Graves in Die Another Day - Eon Productions, keepers of the Bond flame, approved this one-off adaptation providing they had final casting approval of the crucial role.
Also in the cast are David Suchet as the titular bad guy and Janie Dee as Miss Moneypenny. The legend that is Martin Jarvis directs. A faithful Cold War period piece, this wireless incarnation of Bond will be broadcast next April.
Meanwhile, Penguin have revealed the cover to Devil May Care, Sebastian Faulks' centenary Bond novel that's set to be published on May 28 2008. Created by design agency The Partners, it's evocative of the classic movie title sequences by Maurice Binder (yes, there's some clothes-averse crumpetry).For the full story, head to commanderbond.net .
