Former Bond girl breaks silence as bosses sell up to Amazon: 'It won't be British'

Former Bond girl Valerie Leon has broken her silence following the news that Amazon and America have taken full control of the 007 film franchise.

During Friday’s visit (February 21) to the ITV studios, Adil Ray and Kate Garraway woke up the nation on Good Morning Britain with the biggest stories hitting the headlines.

This included the news that King Charles would be opening the doors to Highgrove House in order to the public and the upcoming implementation of Raneem’s Law.

But one of the biggest stories that was on everyone’s lips was the news that Amazon MGM has taken the creative reins of the James Bond franchise after decades of family control.

It’s fair to say the news caused uproar amongst devoted fans, who have shared their fears for the future of the series online. Now, the presenting duo have decided to ask one of the former Bond girls for their thoughts on the significant change.

Later on in the show, Adil welcomed the 81-year-old onto to the programme via video link from her home in West London. He began: “So, you were in the films A Spy Who Loved Me with Roger Moore and Never Say Never Again with Sean Connery.

"I mean great films and like you say British icons, what’s the concerns with this though? This comes in the hands of American writers, American producers – perhaps even – an American actor playing James Bond. Where do you think the issues lie there? What would worry you?”

It was at this point that the Hollywood icon shared her heartache for the production change as she reflected on her time in the beloved blockbusters.

She told viewers: “Well, it’s not a question of ‘worry me’ because life changes and everything moves on and changes. I just – the Bond franchise was very British and it won’t be anymore.

"And obviously, if they make films, they won’t go into the cinema, they’ll probably go, I don’t know [elsewhere]. Everything’s changed now, it won’t be the same and I’m very old fashioned anyway”.

It didn’t take long before fans flooded to X – formerly known as Twitter – to share their complaints online. One user fumed: “If it isn’t British it isn’t Bond, it will just be another action franchise.

"I’m an American but some things must be British and Bond is one of them. I expect moviegoers will reject an Americanised Bond and they will have no choice but to return to its British roots where it belongs.”

Another added: “I agree with Valerie, the Bond franchise MUST be British it will not work with an American in the post”, as a third echoed: “Amazon is the end of James Bond. I won’t watch their drivel.”

Good Morning Britain airs on weekdays from 6am on ITV1 or catch up on ITVX.