His place in the 007 hall of fame was guaranteed as soon as uttered the immortal words: "My name is Bond, James Bond".

But according to actor Roger Moore, the secret agent's lines weren't half as good as those delivered by the films' infamous villains. The 007 legend has revealed that he would have preferred playing one of Bond's enemies - because they had better lines.
Speaking at the Cheltenham Literature Festival last night to launch his autobiography, My Word is my Bond, Moore said: "I would have loved to have been a villain, they had wonderful speeches like "the end of the world is about to come" and Bond just listens but doesn't really get to say anything".

In front of a 400-strong audience at the Cheltenham Racecourse he discussed his roles in the The Saint, The Persuaders and his suave performances as 007 in seven of the Bond films.

He also revealed he was worried he would accidentally mimic Sean Connery when he delivered his debut 'My name is Bond, James Bond' line, in Live and Let Die.
He added: "It is one of those lines that stays with you, it was about the most I had to say in Bond".

Moore said his favourite of Bond's nemeses was Nick Nack, from the Man with the Golden Gun, and that Christopher Walken was the best villain actor because he was "off the wall".

And he revealed how Audrey Hepburn inspired him to become a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador - a role he has had for 17 years.

The actor, who celebrates his 81st birthday on 14 October, said his good looks had at times been a disadvantage in his acting career.

He said: "I never quite understood about looks and I was puzzled by my mother at about 16 who said to me "never become conceited". I didn't understand what she meant until I looked in the mirror. "If you have even features it helps in getting the leading parts but it is a hindrance when you come to be accepted as an actor".

When asked how he resisted the temptation of his leading ladies, he added: "They all knew I was not that good, it is a temptation, but fortunately I played safe and got behind them". Roger Moore and his wife Kristina signed books for almost two hours after the event for fans.