Ananova:

It never ceases to amaze us just how popular our entertainment stories are.

People are interested in everything from Geri to Robbie via EastEnders and Big Brother, to Star Wars and George Clooney.

It doesn't seem to matter who we write about, readers love to hear the latest showbiz news. A fine example has been the James Bond stories we've been running.

A few years ago, anything to do with 007 was a bit passe. Before Pierce Brosnan took over the role of Britain's best known spy, Bond was regarded as something of a dinosaur. But Brosnan is widely regarded as having brought Bond into the 21st century.

Since the news that he's thinking about hanging up his golden gun, the internet has been full of rumours about who will take over.

Robbie Williams seemed to be top of most people's lists, until the film's casting director ruled him out. Then it was rumoured Russell Crowe might take on the role. We've even had Catherine Zeta Jones mentioned as a possible female version.

Ananova readers have ruled on who they think should take over, including George Michael, Colin Firth and Jude Law.

And Ananova staff have also been letting us know who they think could be possible candidates.

Sports reporter Andy Thurstan reckons his colleague Chris Dempster would be perfect for the role. "He's well-spoken, tactful, and a man for the ladies too. And he has already been ski-ing this year to hone his considerable talents in preparation for being offered the part," explains Andy.

Entertainment and arts editor Simon Ashberry is also a favourite to win the role, but content producer Jason Heavey reckons: "He's got to lose the beard..."

Meanwhile news editor Steve Laws has nominated chief copy-taster Chris Harvey. "He's tall and dark, has managed to get away from his previous New Romantic look, and has got to be Posh enough - he comes from Harrogate," says Steve.

But, of course, all of this may just have been an entertaining diversion as Pierce Brosnan has now refused to rule out staying on as Mr Bond.

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