James Bond movie delay is good news for hurt Daniel Craig who has more time to recover from his long-term knee issue

THERE’S one upside to Danny Boyle’s shock departure as director from the next James Bond movie.

Boyle’s decision to quit over “creative differences” has delayed filming of the 25th 007 movie, giving leading man Daniel Craig more time to recover from a long-term knee issue.

Daniel only agreed to return to play Bond – for the fifth time – after being able to run again.

He insisted he needed to be active and “look real” as the super spy, after suffering a serious injury after a stunt went wrong on the set of last Bond film, Spectre, three years ago.

While the £50million pay day was a factor, Daniel was adamant he’d only return if he could get back into the same physical shape as in previous 007 outings.

It was no secret that he was battered and broken after Spectre, and worried that after two ACL operations – to repair knee ligaments – he would not be able to do the role physically.

Now insiders tell me the likely year-long delay of the movie will give Daniel even longer to strengthen his physique.

But Daniel is “adamant” that he did not want to look like a “decrepit Bond” for his final film.