Ed Sheeran has written a James Bond song just in case he gets asked

Singer-songwriter is currently in the running for Christmas number one

It's one of the most coveted gigs in film and music history, and Ed Sheeran has revealed he already has a James Bond theme banked should producer Barbara Brocolli come calling.

The singer-songwriter, who is currently competing with himself for the Christmas No.1 (his "Perfect" remix ft. Beyonce is up against the collaboration he did with Eminem), appeared on the Late Late Show where he discussed the possibility of contributing a track.

“With Bond, I’ve had a theme tune written for about three years, just in case,” he said, admitting filmmakers haven't got round to actually asking him yet. “But it’s good, it’s good.”

He played coy about what the song is called, too, because "someone might steal it" - perhaps gunning for one of the few accolades he has yet to receive: an Oscar for Best Song.

Sheeran revealed he had a similar approach when the time came for him to team up with US rapper Eminem.

"When we did a song together, I had the song planned. So with Bond, if ever I'm called I'll be like 'here you go'."

You could at least argue that Sheeran will be more prepared than previous Bond theme singer Sam Smith, who boasted that it only took him 20 minutes to write the song for Spectre after he was asked.

Earlier this year it was confirmed that Daniel Craig will reprise his role as 007 after previously denying reports, and also saying he would rather “slash [his] wrists” than take on the role again.

Putting an end to months of speculation, Craig, who recently appeared in Steven Soderbergh's Logan Lucky, gave an unequivocal answer to the host's point-blank question about whether he has signed on for another instalment: “Yes.”

He continued: “I couldn't be happier. I have to apologise to all the people I've done interviews today because I wanted to tell you. It's been a couple of months and we've been discussing it and trying to figure it out.

“I always wanted to [come back]. I [just] needed a break.”

The actor squirmed in his seat as the infamous quote was read back to him, to which he explained: “Look, there's no point in making excuses about it, but it was two days after I'd finished shooting the last movie.

“I went straight into an interview and someone said would you do another one and I went 'No!' Instead of saying something with style and grace I gave a really stupid answer.”