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Next James Bond: Fan favourite speaks out after being linked to 007 job

Matt Crossick
Carl Bennett

By Carl Bennett


Published: 10/02/2023

- 11:35

Updated: 10/10/2023

- 15:28

The BBC star said he’s flattered by the suggestion he could take on the high profile role

Happy Valley star James Norton has admitted his chances of becoming the next James Bond have increased following his performance in the BBC series.

The actor, 37, believes his career has completely changed after he felt his background may hinder future roles.

Because of his accent and Cambridge background, Norton said he had previously felt he might not be “quite right” to play a villain – but Happy Valley has allowed that perception to change.

Undated BBC Handout Photo from Happy Valley. Picture shows: Tommy Lee Royce (JAMES NORTON). PA Feature SHOWBIZ TV Happy Valley. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/BBC/BBC/Lookout Point/Matt Squire. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature SHOWBIZ TV Happy Valley. WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' BBC Digital Picture Service. In particular, this image may only be published in print for editorial use during the publicity period (the weeks immediately leading up to and including the transmission week of the relevant programme or event and three review weeks following) for the purpose of publicising the programme, person or service pictured and provided the BBC and the copyright holder in the caption are credited. Any use of this image on the internet and other online communication services will require a separate prior agreement with BBC Pictures. For any other purpose whatsoever, including advertising and commercial prior written approval from the copyright holder will be required.
Happy Valley star James Norton has admitted his chances of becoming the next James Bond have increased following his performance in the BBC series.
PA Features Archive/Press Association Images

Bookmakers have now shortened his odds to replace Daniel Craig as 007.

The finale of the BBC drama saw Norton’s character, notorious villain Tommy Lee Royce, come face-to-face with his nemesis Sergeant Catherine Cawood, played by Sarah Lancashire.

In an interview with Vera magazine, the boarding school educated actor said: “Britain is obsessed with class, and our industry is obsessed with pigeon holes.”

“Having been to Cambridge and speaking with a [specific] accent I did run that risk. When Happy Valley came out I had people ringing my agent saying ‘We have this part, but it’s a bit posh, I’m not sure James is right for it.’

“My agent was punching the air. It’s a perfect part, a hand of aces, and you don’t get many of those throughout your career.”

Norton remained quiet on suggestions he could be the next Bond, saying: “It’s flattering to in the conversation.”

Norton isn’t the only person to speak out about replacing Daniel Craig.

Undated BBC Handout Photo from Happy Valley. Picture shows: Tommy Lee Royce (JAMES NORTON). PA Feature SHOWBIZ TV Happy Valley. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/BBC/BBC/Lookout Point/Matt Squire. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature SHOWBIZ TV Happy Valley. WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' BBC Digital Picture Service. In particular, this image may only be published in print for editorial use during the publicity period (the weeks immediately leading up to and including the transmission week of the relevant programme or event and three review weeks following) for the purpose of publicising the programme, person or service pictured and provided the BBC and the copyright holder in the caption are credited. Any use of this image on the internet and other online communication services will require a separate prior agreement with BBC Pictures. For any other purpose whatsoever, including advertising and commercial prior written approval from the copyright holder will be required.
Happy Valley star James Norton has admitted his chances of becoming the next James Bond have increased following his performance in the BBC series.
PA Features Archive/Press Association Images

Answering questions on his TikTok account, former health secretary Matt Hancock was asked if he would be the next Bond.

“I would leap at the chance, but sadly I don’t think it’s going to happen.”The next 007 movie is unlikely to hit cinema screens until 2025, with the film still very much in its early phases.

In June 2022, film producer Barbara Broccoli said: “We’re working out where to go with him.

“It’s a reinvention of Bond. We’re reinventing who he is and that takes time.”

Actor Rory Kinnear, who has appeared in the last four James Bond movies, said the next person to play 007 after Daniel Craig will not be a “frontrunner” or “highlighted” star like Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

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