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James Bond ‘shock as little known actor emerges as top contender to replace Daniel Craig in spy role’
Movie buffs spotted a clue an ITV star has already signed for the role
A SURPRISE name is now among the frontrunners for the role of James Bond after holding "serious talks" with bosses, according to reports.
Henry Cavill, Tom Hardy and Aaron Taylor-Johnson have all been tipped to replace Daniel Craig as 007 - but Stuart Martin, 39, could be the surprise choice.
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It would bring the franchise full circle if he were to bag the role, becoming the first Scotsman to do so since Sean Connery said farewell in 1983's Never Say Never Again.
A source told : "Stuart is the name that has been discussed in Bond circles by those in the know.
"He is in serious contention. No-one will confirm this because Eon goes all out to deny and shy away from anything concerning casting, but it would be an amazing milestone to have a Scottish Bond again."
Among Martin's credits are 24 episodes of Miss Scarlett & The Duke, in which he played William 'The Duke Wellington, and Zack Snyder's two part sci-fi epic, Rebel Moon.
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They added that the film's production company, Eon, doesn't care if the next Bond is a famous star or not.
It's a sentiment echoed by Bond fans, who just want the best man for the job.
One wrote on an online forum: "Stuart Martin caught my eye. He seems to have about the same level of fame as Daniel Craig did when he was picked."
Another said: "He's got the look, that's for sure."
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A third shared: "I don't know him, which is a plus. And he does look very attractive, which is a plus. What is his action background? Has he filmed action scenes before?"
Happy Valley star James Norton is also said to be in the frame for Bond, and recently two movie buffs watching his latest TV drama, Playing Nice, thought they spotted a clue that suggests he has the role sewn up.
Watch moment Bond favourite James Norton drops huge hint he’s signed as 007 live on radio
In the third episode of the series, James' character Pete Riley is at a gala event.
But while the rest of the attendees are wearing swanky tuxedos, James is not. He is in a plain suit.
Hannah Townsend asked Talk Of The Townsends' followers on TikTok: "Are you watching brand new TV drama Playing Nice? And if you are, did you notice this?"
Husband Benedict continued: "James Norton is in the show and he has long been rumoured to be the next James Bond.
"Now, every James Bond has a contract clause stating they cannot wear a tuxedo in any other media while they are James Bond.
"There's a scene in the third episode of Playing Nice where they're at a gala and every single man in that room is wearing a tuxedo except James Norton, who was wearing a regular suit.
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"Now, admittedly his character is meant to be sort of humbled, so it could just be some kind of character-related wardrobe."
Hannah chimed in: "But it could be that maybe he is going to be the next James Bond."
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Timeline of James Bond actors
Over the years there have been seven actors who have played 007.
The first ever James Bond film was in 1962, and this is who has played the lead role over the years:
- - The late star was the first ever actor to play Bond, and reprised the role for seven movies.
- George Lazenby - The star only played Bond once, but was the youngest actor to ever play the spy.
- Roger Moore - The late movie star spent 12 years making seven films in the famous franchise.
- Timothy Dalton - The smooth actor took over from Roger Moore and appeared in The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill.
- Pierce Brosnan - The handsome star played Bond for four movies from 1995 to 2002.
- Daniel Craig - The British star was the first blonde James Bond and the sixth actor to win the role in 2005.
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