British actor DOUGRAY SCOTT has reportedly beaten off competition from actors, ERIC BANA, IOAN GRUFFUD and CLIVE OWEN to replace PIERCE BROSNAN as JAMES BOND.

The TO KILL A KING hunk, 38, clinched the role after discussions with Bond producer BARBARA BROCCOLI and will be the seventh actor to appear as the sexy British agent. He will make his first appearance in the 23rd Bond movie after EON PRODUCTIONS decided they wanted to return to a more brooding Bond in the mould of fellow Scot SEAN CONNERY, reports British newspaper the SUNDAY MIRROR.

A movie insider says, 'Producers have been eager to take Bond back to the broody and sexy figure that Sean was so brilliant at. Obviously it's not possible for Sean to return at his age, so they have been looking for a younger actor with similar characteristics.

'Since then Barbara and Dougray have been in talks - and she believes he will be the perfect new 007 for the 21st Century.'

Brosnan announced two months ago that he would not be starring as Bond again, saying, 'That's it. I've said all I've got to say on the world of James Bond.'