James Bond fans will be shaken and stirred to learn that the 23rd film featuring 007 is to be made this year.

There were doubts over the future of the spy franchise when the film, set to be the third starring Daniel Craig, was put on hold last year.

EON Productions blamed the financial difficulties of MGM Studios for the hiatus.

The new owners of MGM and Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, producers of the films, have now confirmed that Bond will be back on November 9, 2012.

Filming is set to start later this year with Sam Mendes, known for previous works American Beauty and Road To Perdition, as director.

The last Bond film Quantum Of Solace was released in 2008.

Fans had feared the long delay could lead Craig, who debuted as Bond in Casino Royale, to walk away from the role.

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