Her name is Bond, Samantha Bond. And for the last 4 chapters, she's been Moneypenny to Pierce Brosnan's 007. But at 41 years old, the actress feels her association with the franchise has to end with her co-star's departure.

Speaking to the Daily Record, Bond mentions primarily 'the age thing' behind her choice. Brosnan is her elder of 8 years, while a new actor in the role would probably be at least 10 years younger.

"I think it's going to look a bit off having a nod and a wink and a flirty moment,' she said. 'Not very tasteful, to my mind. In fact, it could look a bit gruesome and icky. Older lady, much younger bloke - I don't think so. There is one guy who I might consider as an exception if he was to be cast. But I am not going to reveal who he is, and wild horses won't get his name out of me."

Like every fan, she followed the recent parade of speculated actors to suit up next, namely Colin Farrell and Ewan McGregor, but wondered if such a role would actually interest them.

"They both have highly successful careers,' said the lady. 'Would they really want to become linked to someone like Bond, who is really such a very strong image and identity? Those two guys can do big earner films in their own right. They don't need it."

"And from what I hear of Mr Farrell's rather salty, non-compromising language, I wonder if they might have to bleep out a lot of the expletives? I'm Bond, James bleep Bond. Perhaps not."

And so the actress is leaving, but not on a bitter note. She admitted to being quite fond of the Bond experience, even though such a role sometimes puts a permanent tag on the actor.
"The role might well be the only one that you are ever known for. I know that dear old Desmond Llewelyn felt that way. He believed the public only ever thought of him as Q, and that they knew nothing about his amazing body of work before he joined the 007 team."

No word has been heard from the Bond producers about replacing her, yet. The part probably won't be cast until a new bleeping Bond can be found first.