Bond wants a relationship ‘not just casual sex’ says 007 author

William Boyd, the author of new James Bond novel 'Solo', says he thinks the womanising spy is actually looking for love.

"It seems to me he wants a relationship," Boyd told the Guardian at a press launch for the latest Bond book, the 14th since creator Ian Fleming’s death, "It is not just casual sex."

[Bond author asked Craig's advice]

Boyd, who as as screenwriter has worked with 007 stars Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig, was then asked to pick his favourite Bond Girl, at which point he opened up about his surprising views on the iconic espionage franchise:

"I'm not too keen on the expression 'Bond Girl' because I think Bond has relationships with women," he said, before plumping for ‘Dr. No’ sex symbol Honeychile Rider as his femme fatale of choice.

“Nothing to do with Ursula Andress playing her in the movie," he said. "I think she is a very interesting Bond woman".

[Bond submarine car sold for £629,000]

However the writer agreed that there some more unpleasant aspects to Fleming’s literary 007, including racism and misogyny, explaining "There's no doubt they are reflective of the unthinking attitudes a man of his class, era and education would have."

The author sumarised that he had not planned to style the ‘Solo’ Bond as ultra-modern spy, but the book was set in 1969, at a time when "an intelligent man such as Bond could not be unaware of the way society and values were shifting".

William Boyd now joins the exclusive club of authors who have carried on Fleming's Bond flame, including Kingsley Amis, Raymond Benson, Charlie Higson and Sebastian Faulks

Would you welcome a modern Bond? Should 007 settle down? Let us know in the comments below.

Here's Boyd himself at yesterday's 'Solo' press conference, explaining why he thinks 'Lincoln' star Daniel Day-Lewis would make the ideal 007...