Proud mom reveals new Bond's identity

Attempts to keep secret the identity of the latest actor to play British super-spy James Bond until Friday appears to have failed after his mother blabbed the news to a local newspaper in northern England.

Removing any mystery about the announcement that Daniel Craig -- already hotly tipped for the role -- would be named the next 007 at a news conference in London, she told the 'Liverpool Daily Post' on Thursday about her delight, three national British newspapers reported on Friday.

"Obviously we are thrilled to bits," Carol Craig was quoted as saying in comments picked up by 'The Times'. 'The Daily Telegraph' also carried the story, but said the mother's name was Olivia.

"It has come at a very good time in his career. He has worked extremely hard all his life and this would be his biggest populist role," she said. "I think he could bring something very interesting to the part. It will be life-changing."

The British actor (37) is due to be formally unveiled as the next Bond onboard a boat on London's River Thames later in the day, the Telegraph said.