ACTOR Daniel Craig will return as 007 in the next Bond film, it has been confirmed.

This would be the former Hilbre High School student's fifth outing as Bond.

Also confirmed, Trainspotting and Slumdog Millionaire filmmaker Danny Boyle has officially signed up as director after rumours circulated of him being involved in the famous film franchise festered after an interview were he previously spoke about working on a script for the movie.

The as yet untitled film, due for release in the UK on October 25, 2019, will start production in December.

Producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said: "We are delighted to announce that the exceptionally talented Danny Boyle will be directing Daniel Craig in his fifth outing as James Bond in the 25th instalment of the franchise.

"We will begin shooting Bond 25 at Pinewood Studios in December with our partners at MGM and thrilled that Universal Pictures will be our international distributor."

Oscar winner Danny will direct from an original screenplay by John Hodge, who also worked on Trainspotting.

The film is expected to be Daniel's last time playing the spy, having previously starred in Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre.

He previously stated that he would rather 'slash my wrists' than return to the role, but later said that he made the remarks two days after he finished shooting Spectre and was exhausted.