James Bond

IN LESS than five years the UK is set to get a new theme park that’s the only one of its kind in Europe.

Universal United Kingdom Resort, as it is officially known, will be located in Bedfordshire and is set to open in 2031.

Universal has always been at the forefront of new theme park upgrades, from letting guests use wands to cast spells in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to interactive dragon robots at How To Train Your Dragon – Isle Of Berk.

Now the company has applied for FOUR new patents, giving fans a sneak peek at what to expect at their theme parks in the future.

These include a hybrid ride vehicle that can transition between being suspended from a track – as if it is floating through the air – to floating on the water.

Images show that the boat-style car would connect to an overhead arm and then when it enters the water it would detach from the arm and float like a normal boat.

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Another patent reveals an AI guide – an audio tour that would be able to see your surroundings and then talk to you.

It isn’t clear yet what the AI guide would be used for by Universal, but it sounds like it could be along the lines of a Google Lens or Pokemon Go experience.

It is also unclear whether these patents are specifically for the UK park or all parks.

What we do know though, is that this week the Universal United Kingdom Resort announced the 23 contractors, engineers and architects that will be used for the project.

Contractors include the team behind the 2012 London Olympic Stadium as well as The Eden Project in Cornwall, the O2 Arena, a number of airport expansions and Battersea Power Station.

Previously announced details about the first Universal destination in Europe include that it will be located on a site in Kempston Hardwick, Bedfordshire – about 45 miles from London.

The park will spread across 476 acres and feature the theme park as well as hotels, restaurants, shops and even room for possible future expansion.

The theme park will be split into four “zones” – the Core Zone, Lake Zone, West Gateway Zone and the East Gateway Zone.

Accommodation and business hotels will be in the Lake Zone, as well as an entertainment complex and a convention centre.

West Gateway Zone and the East Gateway Zone will be where guests arrive by train and car, with restaurants and hotels.

This is also likely to be where the Entry Plaza area will be, as well as parking and a 500-room hotel.

When it comes to what will actually be inside the theme park itself, there are plenty of rumours flying around.

What we do know is that there will be indoor and outdoor rides, as well as areas for shows and entertainment.

The plans state: “[Guests will] experience blockbuster attractions, adrenaline-pumping coasters, and mind-blowing spectaculars.

“They’ll come face-to-face with incredible creatures, heroes, and villains.

“They’ll discover great food, new laughs, new ways to play, and step into immersive worlds they’ve only ever dreamed of.”

There will also be a maximum height of anything in the theme park of 115metres – which if this were to be a rollercoaster, it would take over from Red Force at Ferrari Land (part of PortAventura World) in Salou, Spain, as the tallest in Europe.

Despite Universal not confirming the park map or rides that will feature, industry speculation expects the attraction to focus on its British roots with much-loved franchise Harry Potter featuring.

Other famous films set to play a part in the theme park include Paddington Bear and James Bond.

There are also rumours that Jurassic World, How to Train Your Dragon, Despicable Me/Minions and Shrek could also feature.

Rail lines near the theme park will also get upgraded with a new station on the East West Rail and Midland Main (Thameslink) Line.

It is expected to cost £5billion to bring to life.

THEY’RE known for their sexy outfits and saucy scenes, but Bond Girls are just as iconic as 007 himself.

And we may not have long before a new bevvy of beauties turn heads, as the hunt for the next James Bond may now be over.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today show, 007 writer Steven Knight was asked whether he had written the film with the chosen actor in mind or based on what he already knew about the character.

He replied that it was “a bit of both”, seemingly confirming that an actor had been picked.

The next Bond will fill the shoes of Daniel Craig, who last played the secret agent in 2021’s No Time to Die.

Slow Horses actor Jack Lowden remains one of the frontrunners for the coveted role, while a host of other stars have been linked to the part since Craig’s departure.

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As fans know, the world’s slickest spy is rarely seen without a glamorous Bond Girl – or three – in tow, but no news has yet been released on who could be in the running. 

Many of the show’s most iconic moments centre around 007’s striking counterparts – and here, we look back at some of the original Bond Girls, and where they are now…

Ursula Andress – Dr. No – 1962

Ursula Andress launched the archetype of the Bond Girl as Honey Ryder in 1962’s Dr. No, alongside Sean Connery.

The image of her emerging from the ocean in a white bikini with a knife remains one of the franchise’s most defining moments. 

Ursula went on to pose nude for Playboy before starring with Elvis Presley in 1963’s Fun in Acapulco, with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin in 4 for Texas, and with Laurence Olivier and Harry Hamlin – the father of her son Dimitri – in 1981’s Clash of the Titans.

After starring in films throughout the 1960s and 1970s, she gradually retired from acting to focus on her art collection and private life. 

Ursula, 90, said she felt “such pain” on hearing the news of Connery’s death in 2020 – saying they had “perfect chemistry” on screen.

The actress, who only married once – to American actor John Derek from 1957 until their divorce in 1966 – said: “He was a great man, today men like that just don’t exist, they are all too narcissistic, too taken with themselves.

”Today finding someone like Sean is very difficult. He was a great friend and a fabulous actor.”

Earlier this year, Italian authorities seized £17.3million worth of assets in Tuscany, including property, vineyards and olive groves, which had allegedly been bought with money embezzled from Ursula.

The former Bond Girl had filed a complaint in her native Switzerland alleging a “progressive and significant depletion of her assets” by individuals charged with managing her finances, Italy’s financial crimes police said in a statement.

Shirley Eaton – Goldfinger – 1964

Brit actress Shirley was hailed as the ultimate sex symbol after suffering the most famous Bond girl fate in the franchise, in 1964’s Goldfinger.

Her character, Jill Masterson, was murdered by being covered in gold paint from head to toe –  causing “skin suffocation.”

The iconic scene sparked a rumour she had died in filming, and she even appeared on a 2003 TV show to dispel the myth.

In fact the golden girl, now 89, gave up her career to bring up two children, Grant and Jason, with husband Colin Rowe.

Jane Seymour – Live and Let Die – 1973

For a character named Solitaire, Jane Seymour’s Bond Girl spends little time alone after meeting 007 and ending up in his bed in Live and Let Die.

A voodoo medium whose psychic powers depend on her virginity, she is seduced by Roger Moore’s Bond and loses her unique gift in the process.

The British star, who recently turned 75, went on to star in East of Eden, the TV series Dr Quinn Medicine Woman and The War with Grandpa, with Robert de Niro.

Outside of acting, she has built a massive lifestyle brand, written self-help books, and launched significant charitable foundations. 

Jane has been married four times, and was left “beyond bankrupt” by property deals involving second husband David Flynn.

In 2018, the mum-of-four became the oldest woman to pose for Playboy, at the age of 67. 

The spread came 45 years after appearing in the magazine the year she did Bond, and she said she now feels sexier than ever.

Britt Ekland – The Man with the Golden Gun – 1974

Swedish Britt Ekland brought charisma and comedic timing to her role as MI6 operative Mary Goodnight in 1974’s The Man with the Golden Gun opposite Roger Moore.

Needless to say her duties as Bond’s PA went beyond taking notes and keeping his diary – and a ‘good night’ was had by all.

Beyond 007, she was a regular fixture of 1970s pop culture, famous for her high-profile romances and busy film career.

She divorced comedian Peter Sellers, father to daughter Victoria in 1968, after a four-year marriage.

She went on to have a son with record producer Lou Adler and a high profile romance with Rod Stewart, which ended in 1977 after two years.

At 42, she married Stray Cats drummer Slim Jim Phantom, who was 23 at the time. They divorced in 1992.

Following Bond, she went on to star in the comedy Royal Flash and the 1989 movie Scandal, as well as a host of TV Miniseries, including Valley of the Dolls.

In 2010, she took part in I’m A Celebrity…, falling out with fainting campmate Gillian McKeith, and also appeared in The Real Marigold Hotel.

Britt, now 83, has also spoken candidly in recent years about “destroying her looks” with lip fillers in her 50s.

Barbara Bach – The Spy Who Loved Me – 1977

Barbara Bach broke the mold of the traditional damsel in distress by playing the formidable Soviet agent Anya Amasova in 1977’s The Spy Who Loved Me.

Despite attempting to murder Bond on their first meeting, inevitably, the pair end up as lovers, and the film ends with them floating off to sea in an escape pod after defeating evil Russian Karl Stromberg at his secret sea base.

In real life, she did float off into the sunset with another British icon – The Beatles’ drummer Ringo Starr – after divorcing her first husband, who was an Italian count.

As well as starring in a handful of films, Barbara co-founded charity, the Lotus Foundation, alongside her husband, who she wed in 1981.

Since stepping out of the spotlight, Barbara, who is now 80, earned a degree in psychology and devoted her life to humanitarian work. 

Grace Jones – A View to a Kill – 1985

Singer Grace Jones turned the Bond universe on its head as the fierce, muscular, fashion-forward villain May Day in 1985’s A View to a Kill. 

In the Roger Moore film, she played the memorable henchwoman to villain Zorin.

Jamaica-born Grace was already a household name when she took the role in 1985.

She went on to release her iconic album Slave To The Rhythm the year after.

Grace, now 78, dated former bodyguard Dolph Lundgren and launched his acting career by getting him a role in the Bond film.

She has had one brief marriage – to Atila Altaunbay – and has a son by graphic designer Jean Paul Goude.

Not one to settle into retirement, she has maintained a legendary career as a music star and continues to tour and perform at music festivals.

Michelle Yeoh – Tomorrow Never Dies – 1997

With her martial arts skills and speed in a motorbike chase, Michelle Yeoh’s character Wai Lin certainly kept Pierce Brosnan on his toes in Tomorrow Never Dies.

Performing her own dangerous stunts, she redefined what an action heroine could be in a modern blockbuster. 

Her Bond turn opened doors to global stardom, leading to acclaimed roles in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Crazy Rich Asians, Avatar, and recently, Wicked. 

In 2023, she made history by winning the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once. 

Michelle, 64, lives with former rally driver Jean Todt.

Halle Berry – Die Another Day – 2002

Starring as Jinx Johnson, opposite Pierce Brosnan’s suave spy, Halle spent a good deal of her time in a bikini and upped her fan base in the process.

But she wasn’t just a pretty face in 2002’s Die Another Day. 

Jinx was a trained assassin sent to kill a North Korean agent, and bedded Bond to get the information she needed to carry out her deadly task.

Before starring in Bond, she already had a Best Actress Oscar win under her belt, for Monster’s Ball in 2001.

She went on to play Storm in the X-Men movies, and appear in Moonfall and The Mothership.

Over the two decades since, she has built an expansive career as a Hollywood A-lister, action star, film producer, and director. 

In her personal life, Halle, 60, has been married three times and is now engaged to singer Van Hunt. 

In 2012, Halle went through a bitter custody battle with former partner Gabriel Aubry over their daughter, Nala, born in 2008.

She also has a son with third husband Olivier Martinez, although they separated in 2015, after two years of marriage.

In 2000, Halle pleaded no contest to charges of leaving the scene of a car accident in Hollywood, and was sentenced to three years’ probation, fined $13,500 and ordered to perform 200 hours of community service.

Earlier this year, the Oscar winner says she is having “the most amazing sex” with Van after her three divorces and is now with the “love of her life”.

A TOP screenwriter working on the new James Bond film has let slip that the role may already have been cast and the audition process completed.

The identity of the next 007 remains shrouded in mystery, but Steven Knight appeared to suggest a decision had been made.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today show, the Peaky Blinders creator was asked whether he had written the film with the chosen actor in mind or based on what he already knew about the character.

He replied that it was “a bit of both”, seemingly confirming that an actor had been picked.

Steven added: “It does make life a little bit easier if you know who that person is, but also you have to write the character, not the actor.”

He went on to discuss the honour of writing for such an iconic franchise.

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Steven said: “The thing with Bond is that it’s its own universe and its own franchise, so there are certain rules.

“Obviously, you have to move it along, but I love where it sits.

“I love that it’s British and it’s not DC or Marvel. The only thing I can say is I feel like I’m doing my duty for King and country.

“It’s something that, if you’re a British writer, you have to do.”

The next Bond will fill the shoes of Daniel Craig, who last played the secret agent in 2021’s No Time to Die.

Slow Horses actor Jack Lowden remains one of the frontrunners for the coveted role, while a host of other stars have been linked to the part since Craig’s departure.

Jack’s co-star Gary Oldman also appeared to fuel speculation during a recent TV appearance on Canada’s The Morning Show.

Discussing rumours that Lowden was on the shortlist, he told the host: “We’re going to find out pretty soon, aren’t we? Because they have picked him.”

The Oscar winner then doubled down, saying: “They have made their choice, but they have not announced it yet.”

Lulu performed her own James Bond song, The Man with the Golden Gun, at the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall

Lulu appeared to be moved to tears following her showstopping performance at the BBC Proms.

Host Nick Mohammed set the tone from the very start of the evening, joking that his appearance at the concert was doubling up as an audition for the next James Bond.

“I will say, while a decision hasn’t yet been made about who’s going to be the next James Bond, I am kind of seeing this as my audition,” he told the audience.

“I know it’s a bit unconventional. I’d usually just do a self-tape on my phone, but I thought, why not hire out the Royal Albert Hall with the full support of an orchestra?”

Introducing conductor Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, Mohammed joked: “Tonight, we provided the illustrious leader of our special operation with a short wooden stick, but when aimed in a particular direction, is able to do this. May I present the man with the golden baton.”

The Royal Albert Hall played host to the beloved and instantly recognisable theme tunes from the Bond franchise, alongside memorable soundtracks from other spy films, with Mohammed describing their mission as a celebration of “more than 60 years of 007 soundtracks and songs, arguably some of the most iconic film music ever created.”

The BBC Concert Orchestra, led by Bartholomew-Poyser, delivered the music alongside a lineup of special guest vocalists.

Yet it was Lulu who truly stole the show. The legendary Scottish singer took centre stage to perform her very own James Bond number, The Man with the Golden Gun.

Fans flocked to X to share their reactions, with one writing, “Ahhh! The eternally delicious LuLu x x x,” reports the Daily Record.

Another praised, “I was so looking forward to this…best thing? Lulu.” Lulu looks and sounds fabulous,” a third chimed in, while another gushed, “Lulu looks and sounds phenomenal.”

One fan noted that Lulu “Seemed emotional at the end there,” while another enthused, “Best singer so far…go on Lulu!”

The audience erupted in cheers and applause for Lulu, who stood on stage, visibly tearful, following her breathtaking set.

The BBC Proms is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

JAMES Bond could see it’s first ever husband and wife casting as Saoirse Ronan pitches for a villain role – and Jack Lowden is up for 007.

The actress, 32, who tied the knot with Jack in 2024, has teased that she could be in the upcoming blockbuster Bond 26.

Lady Bird star Saoirse recently told Empire magazine: “I want to go dark. I said that I wanted to be a Bond villain, and I’m dead serious.

“I think it would be really interesting, having a young, female villain.

“Especially for girls and women, to see someone who can just take all that pent-up anger and direct it somewhere.”

The pair welcomed their first baby into the world after being spotted with a pram in public back in September last year.

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Her husband has been tipped as one of the stars to take on the role of James Bond, following on from Daniel Craig, who has played agent for the last 15 years.

Jack has been a huge fan favourite since taking on the role of MI5 agent River Cartwright in Apple TV+’s Slow Horses.

He’s also been in the likes of Pride and Prejudice, The Gold, War & Peace, The Long Song, Wolf Hall, Mrs Biggs and The Tunnel.

Meanwhile Saoirse has starred in Little Women, Lady Bird, The Lovely Bones, Hanna and Mary Queen of Scots.

There are some pretty huge names in the mix for the next Bond.

The likes of Jacob Elordi, Callum Turner, Harris Dickinson, Anthony Boyle  and Tom Hardy have been some of the names.

And New Brit actor Jack Barton has been thrown in there too.

It comes shortly after The Sun exclusively revealed that the new 007 writer shared an unexpected update on the Bond script.

The upcoming film could possibly relocate from MI6 in London to Birmingham.

Its writer Steven Knight has a long-standing love affair with the Midlands, the home of his smash hit Peaky Blinders and drama This Town.

The screen giant is considering a Brummie background for the spy’s next outing.

Steven told The Sun: “I’m loving working on the Bond film — I’m tempted to set it in Birmingham.

“I’m always tempted to do that on everything I work on!”

Knight has been drafted in by Amazon MGM Studios, which bought creative control of the Bond franchise for £790million last year.

Sharing an update at the launch of the Peaky Blinders Underworld immersive game, he went on: “Writing this film is like working for King and country. I feel like it’s my duty.

“Seriously, I’m such a big fan of the whole Bond franchise. To be able to be the person who is writing the next one is genuinely an honour and it’s a dream.

“Making Peaky Blinders has been amazing and doing Bond is beyond that.”