Acoording to The Mirror, TV's "Nip/Tuck", Julian McMahon, yesterday revealed he is on a shortlist of two to become the next James Bond. The 36-year-old Australian, who plays serial womaniser Dr. Christian Troy in the show, said:

"I'm a big James Bond fan. I met the producers for a final audition. They told me to expect a decision in a couple of months and they said it was between me and one other person. It's going to be a very nervous wait."

The other person in the frame is believed to be British actor Clive Owen.

McMahon, who used to be married to Dannii Minogue, was first linked to the role last year. If he gets it, he will be the second Australian to take the role of 007, who has also been played by English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish actors.

Meanwhile, Bond director Martin Campbell(The Mask of Zorro) said of new movie Casino Royale

"it will be a grittier, tougher and more realistic movie"

.

It was originally a 1960s spoof with David Niven and Woody Allen.