Albert Finney is joining the cast of the 23rd James Bond movie

Sam Mendes, the director of the new Bond film - rumoured to be called 'Skyfall' - revealed the surprise that the 75-year-old star would be making his debut in the spy franchise to the cast this week at Pinewood Studios, where filming is taking place.

Speaking to the Daily Mail an executive close to the producer said: "It was one of those fabulous, 'This can't get any better!' moments because Mendes has upped The Game by bringing in Bardem and Fiennes - and they've already got Dame Judi Dench . So, you think, who else can they get to make this any classier?"

Albert, who has been in remission from prostate cancer for several years now, will play a Foreign Office mandarin with powers over the Secret Intelligence Service.

The 'Erin Brockovich' actor will be joining the likes of Daniel Craig, Dame Judi Dench, Javier Bardem and Ralph Fiennes on set of the movie, which is planned for release in later 2012.