Downton Abbey’s Michelle Dockery says she would play first female Bond

She also wants to watch Gillian Anderson in the role

Michelle Dockery has said she’d be up for playing a female version of Bond if she was asked.

The Downton Abbey star, who returns as Lady Mary Crawley in a new film version of the ITV series, told The Independent: “I love Bond, so yeah, I’d never say no.“

She added: “I think a lot is changing with those films – I’m looking forward to the next one for that reason. Those rumours about Gillian Anderson [being the new Bond], years ago… I was so up for that, it was like, ‘When does it happen, when does it start filming?’”

Despite several rumours that a woman could be stepping into the role, it was announced earlier this year that Daniel Craig would be returning as the spy in Bond 25 – titled No Time to Die – for what is expected to be the final time.

The new film will feature a female 007, though. According to reports, Lashana Lynch will have the job at the beginning of the film, but will hand the baton back over to Craig.

Dockery said she’d be up for playing a villain in a future Bond film if the main role didn’t come her way.

“Those roles with a darker side definitely appeal to me. It’s all about them feeling authentic. I’ve never played a really mean character, although Lady Mary can be a bit like that at times.’

The Downton Abbey film is in cinemas this Friday – read our full interview here.