Higson to play Bond - but not 007

Charlie Higson has landed a cameo role in a new TV drama as James Bond - but not that one.

The Fast Show star and writer will appear in an adaptation of an Agatha Christie Miss Marple mystery A Caribbean Mystery playing an American ornithologist called Bond.

Charlie - a huge 007 fan who has written several books about the life of the young secret agent - has also scripted the forthcoming ITV Marple drama.

The story is the first of three new films which will star Julia McKenzie as the spinster sleuth.

Christie's Bond character first appeared in her story The Rajah's Emerald, many years before Ian Fleming wrote his books, and he has been transplanted into this story.

Fleming is thought to have named his hero after another real-life ornithologist, who was a US expert on Caribbean birds.

Charlie said of his involvement with the drama: "I have managed to put my twin obsessions of James Bond and zombies into the Miss Marple script.

"But before any Agatha Christie fans jump down my throat - the script is very faithful to the book - A Caribbean Mystery. Just with added zombies and James Bond."

Charlie was offered the role as Bond during the casting process, rather than writing the part for himself. He has also added a character called Ian Fleming to the tale, with both characters thought to have been added as a playful homage.

The film, to be screened next year, will also feature Peep Show's Robert Webb, Daniel Rigby, who won a Bafta for his portrayal of Eric Morecambe in a BBC film, and Sir Antony Sher. It is being filmed on location in South Africa.