Best writer around?

Daniel Craig has hailed Phoebe Waller-Bridge as ‘the best f***ing writer around’ after she was recruited to spruce up the script for No Time To Die. The Fleabag creator, 34, was brought on to sharpen the script for the 25th James Bond film, which will also be Daniel's last as 007.

Speaking in the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly, Bond producer Barbara Broccoli admitted she is currently ‘in denial’ about Daniel, 51, leaving the franchise. During production of the film, she said: ‘We still have so much to do to finish this film, to get it right, so we’re really focusing on that. I’m in denial, to be honest, about Daniel. I can’t really confront that right now.’
Daniel praised the work Phoebe did on the script while co-star Rami Malek said she had a big impact on his character Safin in particular. Rami, 38, said: ‘She had quite an impact on what I was doing. I’d have long phone conversations with her, giving her context as to what we were essentially looking for in the scenes, and she would turn things over incredibly quickly. ‘We know her as a very witty and funny writer, but she’s got a knack for drama and tension as well.’

According to The Observer, Phoebe was brought on to the project at Daniel’s request as he is a fan of Fleabag and hoped she would bring her wit to the script. In his interview with EW, the action star discussed his past comments after filming Spectre that if he was to do another Bond film, it would only be for the money. Daniel explained he had broken his leg on set shortly before he made the comment and was unsure if he was ‘physically capable’ of doing another film.

The actor added he had to make an unpleasant phone call to his wife Rachel Weisz to let her know he had injured himself but later agreed to do a fifth and final Bond film. Daniel injured himself on the set of No Time To Die when he ruptured his ankle during an action scene, with filming halted for 10 weeks until he healed after surgery. As well as Spectre, Daniel also appeared in Casino Royale, Skyfall and Quantum of Solace. Now Bond bosses are in the midst of looking for a replacement, with the likes of Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba, Richard Madden and Tom Hardy tipped to play 007 next. However, McMafia actor James Norton has recently emerged as one of the favourites to replace Daniel.

The Sun reported bookmaker Ladbrokes had suspended betting on the Grantchester star, 34, being the next man to portray the fictional super spy’. A source said: ‘Numerous meetings and secret squirrel script readings were had at the back end of last year. ‘Producers wanted a Brit and James ticks all the boxes - tall, strapping, physically fit and, of course, looks great in a dinner jacket.’ ‘Everyone is hoping to get the deal confirmed and signed off, with an announcement in the summer.’ (Daily Mail)

• Phoebe was brought on to the project at Daniel’s request as he is a fan of Fleabag