JAMES BOND - ARTERTON GETS BOND GIRL NOD

British starlet Gemma Arterton has reportedly been cast as the next Bond girl in the upcoming 007 film.

The 21-year-old, recently seen in comedy remake St Trinian's, will play a character called Fields, the Hollywood Reporter says.

The next as-yet untitled James Bond movie, known as Bond 22, is due for release in the autumn and will see Daniel Craig reprise his Casino Royale role of 007.

Series stalwart Judi Dench will also return as M, with French actor Mathieu Amalric already cast as the film's villain.

A spokesperson at Bond producer Danjaq told the Hollywood reporter that Arterton had been given a "nice-sized role".

Expectations for Bond 22, which is to be directed by Kite Runner's Marc Forster, are high after Casino Royale became the most lucrative film in the series' history at the box office.

Despite initial opposition to his casting, Craig won plaudits for his turn as the super spy, as did love interest Eva Green.

Although producers are remaining tight-lipped on Bond 22's plot, it is expected the movie will continue from where Casino Royale left off, with a vengeful Bond confronting a drug smuggling ring pumping heroin into the UK.