Just when you think it's all gone quiet in the Joss Stone camp she pulls something huge out the bag.

The day before our interview takes place it is announced that she is to star as the new Bond girl in the new video game Blood Stone. It couldn't be more timely.

When Joss calls me on a sunny Saturday she is back home in the Westcountry, having just returned from taking her poodle Dusty Springfield for a walk.

"It's so beautiful and lovely here in the countryside," said the Devon songstress, who owns a house near Uffculme, Cullompton, where she grew up. "We stopped off for a pint of beer in my local."

Joss takes delight in indulging in the pastimes her neighbours must deem normal.

"It really feels like home when I'm back in Ashill. I know people here, they're not crazy like they are in the media world. It feels like a safe haven, and I can get some space."

Joss has just returned from a high-profile press call in the capital, where she was unveiled as the new Bond girl, Nicole Hunter.

"I'm the first Bond girl from the Westcountry with a nose ring," she said. "Instead of having Martini in my glass I'm drinking cider.

"Nicole Hunter is like this 'it girl', socialite kind of chick — a jewellery designer who flits around the world meeting people in high places.

"She's a bit of a hard nut as well, which is cool. You know, she hangs out with Bond, flirts with him throughout the game, gets herself into trouble."

As well providing the voice for the game character, the soul artist has also written an exclusive new song for the Bond franchise with Dave Stewart from the Eurythmics, called I'll Take It All, inspired by Shirley Bassey.

"I tried to sing it in a really straight, powerful way," Joss said. "I would love, love, love to be Bond's girl in the next film, but I haven't been asked. It would also be nice to meet Daniel Craig."

Joss has excellent acting credentials, with a role in the movie Eragon, and in 2008 she portrayed Henry VIII's fourth wife Anne of Cleves in The Tudors.

"I like acting and find it really fun," she said. "I get lots of offers to do lots of different roles, but I only accept the really interesting characters that are a challenge. I don't want to play myself."

After an on-going struggle with her former record label, EMI, Joss has finally ended her contract with it. "I am free now and it is a real weight lifted off my shoulders," she said. "I feel I can start afresh. I haven't got a new album planned yet — I will do one when it feels right. I'm writing songs all the time, though."

Joss is excited to be performing with US soul singer Solomon Burke tomorrow night at Mama Stone's.

"I met Solomon while playing a gig in Germany," she said. "We got on well and said we should perform together, so I am doing six dates with him in the UK. He's a legend."

Joss still performs barefoot — a trait that she has no intention of shaking off.

She said: "I love shoes, but I can't face wearing them on stage as I'm terrified I'm going to fall over. I don't want to think about anything else other than the song I'm singing, so it's just easier to have bare feet."

Doors open at 7pm and tickets cost £50. Details: 01392 848485 or visit www.mamastones.com.