Bond author: 'Daniel Day-Lewis my choice to play 007'

Author William Boyd holding his new James Bond novel in front of a Jenson car outside the Dorchester hotel in London Credit: Philip Toscano/PA Wire

The author of a new James Bond novel has revealed that Daniel Day-Lewis would his choice to play the iconic character ahead of the book's official publication tomorrow.

Speaking at the launch of "Solo" at The Dorchester Hotel in Central London, William Boyd said:

"If there was to be an actor to play my James Bond, I'd choose another actor who has also been in a film of mine and who I also know and who is also called Daniel - Daniel Day-Lewis - because I think Daniel Day-Lewis actually resembles the Bond that Fleming describes."

ITV News' Nina Nannar reports:

Boyd's new book takes 007 into war-torn Africa as the 1960s come to an end.

William Boyd is following in the footsteps of Kingsley Amis and Sebastian Faulks, who have both written novels about James Bond since the death of the character's original creator, Ian Fleming, in 1964.

Despite his preference for Bond to be played by Daniel Day-Lewis, the London resident did admit he had "discussions" with current Bond star Daniel Craig before writing the book.

Watch: New Bond writer on his novel mission

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the publication of Fleming's first James Bond novel Casino Royale. Credit: Philip Toscano/PA Wire

The writer, 61, admitted it was "highly unlikely" Solo would be made for the cinema:

The new book's author admitted had "discussions" with current Bond star Daniel Craig before writing the novel.

The book was launched at the Dorchester Hotel in central London where seven numbered and signed copies were driven off in vintage Jensen cars like the vehicle Bond drives in the novel.

They were then flown around the globe to destinations including Los Angeles and Cape Town to mark tomorrow's publication.

British Airways cabin crew outside the Dorchester hotel in London holding the new James Bond novel written by William Boyd. Credit: Philip Toscano/PA Wire

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the publication of Fleming's first James Bond novel Casino Royale.

Author William Boyd holding his new James Bond novel in front of a Jenson car outside the Dorchester hotel in London Credit: Philip Toscano/PA Wire

He went on to publish 14 more Bond books and the series has sold more than 100 million titles.

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