An actor who went on to fame and fortune after being thrown out of Luton Sixth Form College is being tipped to make film history as the first black James Bond.

Colin Salmon, 38, who was brought up on a Luton housing estate, has already appeared in the last three 007 movies as agent Charles Robinson, M's chief of staff.

Now he is widely expected to land the role most British actors would die for – the suave secret agent who spends his dangerous missions surrounded by gadgets and girls.

The current Bond, Pierce Brosnan, said recently when asked who should succeed him: "I find myself saying Colin Salmon. I think he's a great actor."

Pierce Brosnan is expected to continue playing Bond until 2005, but after that the smart money is on the Luton boy-made-good.

Find out what Colin's up to this week and what his wife thinks of his 007 chances in the November 19 edition of the Luton News.