From Desmond Llewelyn to Ben Whishaw, we are used to seeing the tech wiz agent known as "Q" played by men in the James Bond movies.

However, the head of Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service has revealed that the "real-life-Q" is actually a woman.

Sir Alex Younger, the head of MI6, has made the revelation in his keynote speech at the Women in IT Awards in London as part of his appeal for more women to join MI6.

“If any of you would like to join us … the real-life Q is looking forward to meeting you and I’m pleased to report that the real-life Q is a woman,” said Mr Younger, also known by the code name "C", on Wednesday evening.