James Bond better watch out, as it looks like he has some competition in the form of Richard Branson. The Virgin entrepreneur revealed he's landed a cameo role in the secret agent's latest outing, Casino Royale. He made the announcement while splashing around on a Jamaican beach with Bond's current love interest Caterina Murino, after inaugurating the airline's new service to Montego Bay.

Sir Richard isn't famed for his sartorial elegance, but in a dapper white tux and reflective shades he certainly wouldn't have looked out of place in sophisticated secret service circles. The tycoon, who will feature in a scene set in Miami airport alongside his son Sam, declared himself "just a little excited" to have the part.

Raven-haired Caterina may have enjoyed frolicking with the Midas-fingered businessman, but she remains an enthusiastic supporter of Pierce Brosnan's replacement, Daniel Craig. "You never saw a James Bond like this," she promised. "This is new."

The actor has come in for criticism from some fans who insist a blond shouldn't portray 007. Nevertheless Caterina predicts in the end cinema-goers will be won over by the new-look Bond. "When he's going to kill someone, he looks like a real killer. When he kisses me, when he makes love, he's so sexy."

Casino Royale opens in the UK and the US on November 17.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qbHLpaammZeWx6q6xGeaqKVfmLKtscGroK2hlah8c3yPb2dwaGVugnKAk2ipopuYlr%2BlrtGapaynnmQ%3D