Amy Winehouse is no longer leading the race to be the vocalist behind the next James Bond movie, a report claims.

The News of the World newspaper suggests that last year's X Factor winner Leona Lewis is instead the favoured girl for the job.

It says Winehouse's recent problems regarding reports about her excessive drug-taking have had a negative impact on the singer and as a result the clean-cut Lewis is instead preferred.

Lewis' Bleeding Love has been doing battle for the number one spot with Take That this week in an effort to top her previous bestselling record A Moment Like This - last year's Christmas number one.

"I'm just hoping for the best," the singer told the News of the World.

James Bond themes from the Pierce Brosnan era were performed by Tina Turner, Sheryl Crown, Garbage and Madonna.

Daniel Craig took over the 007 mantle for last year's Casino Royale, with Chris Cornell doing the honours, and the follow-up to his enormously successful debut is due next year.

The plot and even title are being closely guarded at present, Bond 22 being its current working title.