Dougray Scott turns down chance to play Bond because his hero Connery was just too good

DOUGRAY Scott has turned down the chance of becoming the next James Bond - because of Sean Connery.

The Fife-born star admitted that he had been approached to take over from Pierce Brosnan as super spy 007.

But he refused when he decided he couldn't match fellow Scot Sean.

Scott, who plays a baddie in Mission: Impossible II was the number one choice to land the prestigious role when Pierce Brosnan steps down after the next outing.

His agents at Eddie Michael Associates in Los Angeles were informally approached by Bond film makers UIP.

But despite his dark good looks and screen charisma, he felt he just could not fill Sean Connery's boots.

He told OTR: "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.

"I wouldn't even play one of the baddies, because I've been there and done that already with Mission: Impossible II."

The 35-year-old star, from Glenrothes, has been cast in the sequel to The Talented Mr Ripley.

© 2000 Daily Record and Sunday Mail

Thanks to Marla's FilmLover2 - In Admiration of Kate Winslet for the find!