By RICHARD SIMPSON

Last updated at 09:25 28 March 2008

It has been 25 years since he ordered a martini, shaken, not stirred.

But Sean Connery, who played James Bond in seven of the classic spy movies, has a sudden taste for a comeback - as a villain.

Preliminary discussions are said to have taken place between the 77-year-old actor and Bond producers since Daniel Craig reinvigorated the 007 role two years ago with Casino Royale.

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But it would take an exceptional pay-cheque to lure Connery, who usually commands £10million a film, out of retirement.

He first played Bond in 1962's Dr No, followed by From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, Diamonds Are Forever then Never Say Never Again in 1983.

"I wouldn't mind coming back as a Bond villain," he said. "But I don't think they would pay me enough money."

The actor who played Ian Fleming's agent on screen seven times, says he has been so impressed by Daniel Craig's debut that he wants to be pitched against him.

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The Untouchables: Sir Sean Connery (above with wife Lady Micheline) wants his neighbour in New York to move out of the townhouse they both reside in

"I think Daniel Craig is a terrific choice," said Connery. "I think they're going back to a more realistic type of Bond movie as I don't think they could have gone much further with the special effects."

He added: "They don't pay the money for the other parts, only for the Bond character, although that wasn't the case when I was doing it."

The jibe about money is related to the fact that Connery earned just £50,000 to play James Bond for the first time. By his last 007 movie in 1983, where he also negotiated a percentage of profits, Connery was paid £3 million.

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Daniel Craig has signed a £30 million deal to make the next four films in the Bond franchise.

Connery added that despite not playing 007 for the past 25 years, he is still typecast by the part.

Asked about losing the James Bond tag, he said: "It's not something that's ever likely to happen," he says. "It's with me until I go to the box."

He also revealed that although he has been given the all-clear from throat cancer, he suffered from the condition for over two decades.

"I'm healthy and happy. I did receive my annual medical checks last year and I'm feeling well. It means a great deal to me to know that people out there care so deeply about my well being."

His decision to semi-retire from acting has allowed him to spend more time with his French wife Micheline and he confesses that the marriage works because it's an attraction of opposites.

"There's no doubt that the French have a Celtic link with the Scots. But my wife speaks fluent English, which reflects rather badly on me, because I can't speak French. With her food and language she's very much more developed. I've had a poor education and can't even remember our wedding anniversary date."

He spends time playing golf – and watching old Bond movies.

He told My Weekly magazine: "I still haven't seen all the old Bond films, only the odd one or two. I have all the films on DVD so I must catch up on them."