Movie hunk DOUGRAY SCOTT will turn down the chance of becoming the next JAMES BOND - because he can't better fellow Scot SEAN CONNERY.

The MISSION IMPOSSIBLE II actor is the number one choice to land the prestigious 007 role when PIERCE BROSNAN steps down after his next movie.

Scott's agents at EDDIE MICHAEL ASSOCIATES in Los Angeles have been informally approached by UIP - the Bond film makers - about their client taking over as the secret agent for BOND 21. But the star says, "I'm very flattered that people consider me good enough to play James Bond, but I couldn't play that part any better than Sean did. "To be honest I am not convinced I am suave enough for the part, so I doubt I would do it. I wouldn't even play one of the baddies, because I've been there and done that already with Mission Impossible II."

But Bond is the last thing on the 35-year-old star's mind. Chatting at the EVENING STANDARD THEATRE AWARDS in London yesterday (27NOV00), Dougray said, "Things are very hectic at the moment. "I am currently in the theatre with RAY WINSTONE in TO THE GREEN FIELDS BEYOND. "Next year I have a film called ENIGMA coming out and I have been cast as a man suffering from leukaemia in the sequel to THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY, opposite JOHN MALKOVICH." (NB/WN/NFA)

Source: WENN