United Kingdom, Aug. 17 -- Dame Helen Mirren has declared James Bond must stay a man.

The 80-year-old actress was asked if it was time for a female 007, ahead of the release of her new film The Thursday Night Murder Club next week, amid growing rumours the spy may change gender after Amazon MGM Studios took ownership of the franchise.

She was quoted by the Daily Star Sunday replying: "No, it wouldn't work."

"There have been some amazing women who've worked in the secret services with incredible courage, but James Bond is a bloke. There's room for a great movie about a great female agent, but James Bond is James Bond."

The debate is still raging over who will next play 007 comes after Daniel Craig, 56, stepped down from the role follow...