WELL-SUITED
James Norton hot favourite to be next James Bond after series of secret meetings with 007 producers
Clemmie Moodie
12 Jan 2020, 1:24
Updated: 12 Jan 2020, 1:30
JAMES Norton is hot favourite to be the next James Bond — with a bookmaker last night suspending all betting on him.
The 34-year-old — currently starring in BBC drama The Trial of Christine Keeler — even celebrated the news with pals over the New Year.
James Norton is the hot favourite to be the next James Bond following a series of secret meetings with producersCredit: PA:Press Association
It followed a series of secret meetings with 007 producers and film chief Barbara Broccoli.
There has been almost two years of frenzied speculation over the new Bond, with actors including Richard Madden and Idris Elba being linked to the role.
Last night a spokeswoman for Ladbrokes confirmed that McMafia and Grantchester star James was 4-5 favourite to get the coveted gig and said it had halted betting.
It is unknown if a mooted two-year, £40million contract has formally been signed.
The McMafia and Grantchester star ticks all the boxes as he is 'tall, strapping, physically fit and, of course, looks great in a dinner jacket'Credit: BBC Press Handout
But it is understood that producer Eon Productions could make the announcement once the latest Bond movie, released in April, has finished its cinema run.
A source said: "Numerous meetings and secret squirrel script readings were had at the back end of last year.
"James has always been in the frame but until four months ago there were no concrete moves.
"Producers wanted a Brit and James ticks all the boxes — tall, strapping, physically fit and, of course, looks great in a dinner jacket.
James is already a double for 007...he's just as hot a shot as Daniel Craig
"James has been filming in upstate New York for the past few months, but was out celebrating recently, with one of his gang openly telling revellers that his mate was the new James Bond.
"Everyone is hoping to get the deal confirmed and signed off, with an announcement in the summer."
Intriguingly, last month James gave an interview in which he spoke about downing strong martinis — 007's signature cocktail.
Speaking about his favourite jazz bar, he said: "It's exactly how you'd imagine a downtown jazz club to be . . . we saw the Javon Jackson Quartet, drank multiple vodka martinis and felt excellent."
The 34-year-old also has as hot a bod
It comes as Beyoncé was snapped this week beside a martini — with fans speculating she had recorded the theme tune for the new film, No Time To Die.
The current Bond, Daniel Craig, 51, has confirmed he is relinquishing his role after five outings as the world's most famous secret agent.
Last night, a spokesman for the producers did not reply to our approach for comment.
And we don't think he'll struggle to live up to Craig's classic steamy scenes
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