AceShowbiz - Dame Judi Dench has confirmed she'll be back as James Bond's boss in the much-anticipated 23rd 007 adventure "Bond 23". The British thespian has played MI6 boss M in six Bond films and she'll return for her seventh this year.

She says, "I'm looking forward hugely to working with Daniel (Craig) again and with (director) Sam Mendes, who I've only ever worked with in the theatre." The new Bond film is expected to go into production later this year and will hit cinemas in November, 2012.

Just earlier this week, Judi Dench was was honored for her film career achievements at the U.K.'s South Bank Sky Arts Awards. The Oscar winner, who began acting professionally in 1957, accepted the Outstanding Achievement honor from Sir Peter Hall at the annual ceremony, which recognizes the best in British arts.