New James Bond star Daniel Craig is celebrating a victory over casting dissenters today after early Casino Royale reviews hailed him the best 007 ever.

Craig recently admitted the barrage of derogatory comments since he landed the part last year has been hurtful but insisted he'd "turn around and shove it up their a**e" when the film was released.

And British critics have proved him right with a string of glowing write-ups following last night's London premiere.

The Daily Telegraph writes, "He started off as junk Bond, panned by the critics for his blond hair, arty manner and lived-in face... but Daniel Craig has had the better of them in the end."

Meanwhile The Times hails Craig "the best Bond yet," adding, "The blond Bond era began in style."

Humble Craig has dismissed the wealth of compliments saying, "I just set out to make a good movie."