Miriam Margolyes joins new James Bond cast in ‘gender-swapped’ role

| Metro columnist Published September 23, 2026 7:40pm Updated September 23, 2026 7:40pm Miriam Margolyes is joining the James Bond franchise (Picture: ITV) Miriam Margolyes is making her James Bond debut in a gender-swapped role, it’s been confirmed. The Harry Potter actor, 85, joins the cast of Young Bond: SilverFin as Cleek MacSawney, described as ‘a violent henchperson on the Scottish estate of villain Lord Hellebore’. She joins other new additions Harry Marcus and Christopher Nathan in the audio drama based on the first novel in Charlie Higson’s Young Bond book series, starring The Crown’s Isaac Rouse as the man himself, 007. In Higson’s novel, MacSawney is male but will be switched up especially for Margolyes. The controversial actor and author – who recently came under fire for using a racist term on This Morning – enthused: ‘Cleek is a violent, probably insane semi-criminal who works for Lord Hellebore on his estate in Scotland. ‘You wouldn’t want to meet her on a dark night, that’s for sure. I do enjoy playing nasty people!’ The hunt is still on to find the next 007 (Picture: MGM/Eon/Danjaq/UPI/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock) Writer and director Barnaby Edwards added: ‘I’ve been fortunate enough to have Miriam in my life for two decades now. ‘She’s an extraordinary human being and a phenomenal actress. When I began adapting SilverFin, I was determined to get more female characters into it. ‘Thankfully, IFPL and Charlie Higson gave their blessing to gender-swapping the role of Cleek.’ The announcement comes after Higson wading in on who should replace Daniel Craig as Bond in the movie franchise. The author previously admitted he felt Slow Horses star Jack Lowden was an ‘unconvincing choice’ to play 007 despite being the bookie’s favourite. Slow horses sar Jack Lowden is the current front-runner to play 007 (Photo by Chad Salvador/Variety via Getty Images) He’s now declared that whoever Amazon Studios MGM casts as its first 007 since buying the franchise will be heavily criticised. ‘Whatever the answer, everyone will be very angry when they find out,’ he told The Telegraph. Steven Knight, best known for creating Peaky Blinders, will be writing the next instalment in the Bond franchise, which will be directed by Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve. He was recently asked on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme if the new Bond had been cast yet and remained suspiciously coy. ‘I cannot speak about this subject. Much as I would dearly love to,’ he laughed. But presenter Anna Foster pressed him further, asking: ‘Presumably you know who it is when you’re writing it. Does that make a difference?’ Knight replied: ‘It does make life a little bit easier if you know who that person is, but also you have to write the character, not the actor.’ Arrow MORE: Doctor Who fans are convinced former James Bond should be the next Time Lord Arrow MORE: 007 First Light on Switch 2 delayed less than a week after 2026 confirmation Arrow MORE: US Open camera cuts to Pierce Brosnan at the best possible time: ‘Legendary cameraman’ Switched On Get plugged into the week’s must-watch shows, unmissable moments, and expert reviews with Metro TV Editor Sabrina Barr.