Gillian Anderson throws her name into next James Bond ring

The X-Files actor has shown she would consider the opportunity to play 'Jane' Bond

It's become apparent over the past months that Daniel Craig will probably bow out of playing James Bond in any future films.

The rumour mill has been lively for some time now regarding his future replacement with many believing Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba and Damien Lewis to be worthy successors.

A new candidate has stepped forward and, quite simply, we're all for it: Gillian Anderson.

The actor, best known for roles including Dana Scully in The X-Files and The Fall's Superintendant Stella Gibson, expressed her desire to play the secret agent via her Twitter account.

With all the chat surrounding which British actor could take over from Craig (the majority of money's on Hiddleston), a female actor being cast in the role would certainly breathe fresh life into the franchise.

Last week, it was reported that Craig - who has starred in four Bond films throughout ten years - had turned down over £60 million to star in a further two outings. The claim was quashed by separate sources who stated that Craig is not likely to make a decision for a while.

Anderson, who recently starred in a reboot of classic sci-fi show The X-Files, is currently filming a third and final series of Belfast-set BBC crime series The Fall.