Javier Bardem has confirmed he will play the next Bond villain and said he is very excited about the role.

The Oscar-winning actor, who is married to fellow Spanish star Penelope Cruz, revealed to US news programme Nightline that he is a big fan of James Bond.

Javier said: "I'm very excited because my parents took me to watch the movies and I saw all of them, so to play that is going to be fun.

"They chose me to play this man, but I cannot give you many details."

Daniel Craig will return as 007 in the 23rd Bond movie, rumoured to be called Skyfall.

Sam Mendes is directing the film and relatively unknown French TV actress Berenice Marlohe has been cast as the new Bond girl. Naomie Harris will play Miss Moneypenny and Dame Judi Dench will return as M.

Ben Wishaw, Ralph Fiennes and Harry Potter star Helen McCrory have all been cast in unspecified roles.

The film is mostly being in shot in China and Turkey, but some on location filming will take place at Duntrune Castle in Scotland in February.

It is believed the castle will be used as James Bond's ancestral home, where he will bring the villains.

The new Bond movie is set for a 2012 release, marking the 50th anniversary of the successful secret agent series.