JAMES Bond actor Sir Roger Moore has described Sir Sean Connery as "the best warm-up act in the business".

The actor, who followed Sir Sean into the role, was speaking after announcing he would be making his first stage appearance in Edinburgh later this year.

Sir Roger, 85, who stepped into the role made famous by Edinburgh's greatest son in 1971, also confirmed what every Scot already knows – that Sir Sean was the better Bond.

Sir Roger is to appear in the capital this November for one night only to discuss his life and career.

Sir Roger said: "I'm greatly looking forward to appearing for the first time in Edinburgh, particularly as the wonderful city is the birthplace of my friend, contemporary and the best warm-up man in the business, Sean Connery.

"Though I never played Bond, or golf, as well as Sean, I do lie better and am told I spin an amusing tale."

Sir Roger will entertain at the Festival Theatre on November 11. He will regale the audience with stories covering his seven years as Simon Templar in the The Saint, through to his Hollywood blockbusters and his time as Bond. Sir Roger said: "I actually passed through Edinburgh in 1976 on my way to film part of The Spy Who Loved Me. By popular demand, 37 years later, I'm coming back."

He will also be performing at Glasgow's Theatre Royal on November 10.

Tickets for the event, titled An Evening With Roger Moore, go on sale on Tuesday.