James Bond's New Squeeze

4th April 2012

Meet James Bond's new girlfriend in "Skyfall", to be played by Greek actress Tonia Sotiropoulou (Τόvια Σωτηροπούλου). She confirmed the news herself to her Facebook friends by posting this status update: "Dear friends I officially announce I got a part in J. Bond new film!!! Turkey here I come! Thank u all for you love and support! This is officially the happiest day of my life bitches!!!!"

According to the actress herself, she will appear briefly in the opening sequence of the film, set in Istanbul, where 007 is smuggled in when he is assumed dead. Fans may see echoes of the pre-titles sequence from "You Only Live Twice".

Tonia will start "Skyfall" filming on April 22nd on location in Istanbul, Turkey, where she will shoot two or three scenes over 5 days.

Originally, she had auditioned for the major role of Sévérine in August against a lot of other contenders, but lost out to French actress Bérénice Marlohe. Her agency Back Door Management then resubmitted her for consideration after the casting director suggested they could find another role for her. She auditioned again on Friday and met with director Sam Mendes yesterday at Pinewood Studios to talk about the scene, when he told her she had landed the part.

She told local press in her home country, "This is the happiest day of my life so far! I feel very lucky and blessed, but basically, I am very grateful that this happened, for my family and my friends who believe in me and support trying to do. I will do the best, I am very proud because somehow it might be something that will advertise in Greece and I am happy about it."

Actress Mini-Bio
Tonia studied acting at George Kimoulis Drama Centre in Athens before moving to London where she has continued training with renowned acting coach Giles Foreman. In her native Greece she has appeared in numerous productions including the television series ‘True Love’ and ‘Golden Girls’ and on stage in the musical ‘Trendy’ to name only a few. Since moving to London Tonia has most recently worked with acclaimed director Martha Fiennes on her project ‘The Nativity’ and in the feature film ‘Berberian Sound Studio’. Bi-lingual in Greek and English Tonia, she has an effortless beauty and a talent that is catching the eye of many directors and producers in the UK.