The Bond series is a classic example. It is remarkable to think that Michael Gambon – a venerable actor, but hardly a stud – was seriously considered for the role of 007 in Diamonds Are Forever (1971). When the idea was first floated, Gambon is supposed to have told producer Harry Saltzman that he was unsuitable for the part because he was too bald, had too many chins and had “tits like a woman”. The fear of appointing a man with a little extra weight didn’t stop the studio paying Sean Connery $1.5 million to return to the role instead. In one scene, he undresses in front of a vixen and she exclaims: “Why James, there’s more to you than meets the eye!” The uncharitable might answer: “Yes, about two stone.” When the thinning Connery returned in Never Say Never Again (1983), it also looked suspiciously like he had grown a whole new head of hair.