Countdown to Skyfall - The Blofeld that never was

Donald Pleasence may have nailed the role of Blofeld in the James Bond thriller, You Only Live Twice but he was not the first actor cast - indeed filming had already started with the late Jan Werich in the role. The Czech born actor had already filmed many of his scenes (as pictured left) when Cubby Broccoli and director, Lewis Gilbert grew anxious with the casting choice.

"He looked more like a benevolent Santa Claus rather than Bond's arch enemy.'Lewis Gilbert.

After several week of filming it was decided to replace Werich and Donald Pleasence was brought in to take over the role.

The rest, as they say, is history.