The New York Times first reported last month that the 49-year-old's return to the big screen in 2019 was a "done deal" for the 25th movie in a franchise that has thrilled generations of cinemagoers.

But the actor had previously stopped short of confirming the reports.

"I've been quite cagey about it," he admitted Tuesday to US television host Stephen Colbert on CBS's "The Late Show."

"I've been doing interviews all day and people have been asking me and think I've been rather coy, but I kind of felt like if I was going to speak the truth, I should speak the truth to you," he said.

Asked if he was returning as Bond, Craig replied: "Yes" before standing up and shaking Colbert's hand with a grin.

"I couldn't be happier," he added.

But the star said it would be his last outing as the fictional British secret agent: "I think this is it. This is it. I just want to go out on a high note."

Craig's return had been subject to furious speculation for years.

In 2015, he told Time Out magazine: "I'd rather break this glass and slash my wrists... We're done. All I want to do is move on."