JAMES Bond fans think a massive British telly star has already signed up in secret to play the next 007.
Movie buffs are convinced they have spotted a major clue in a TV show that points the finger at who will play Bond next.
Eagle-eyed Benedict and Hannah Townsend run a TV podcast together and they are certain James Norton has signed on the dotted line.
The couple think they have stumbled upon a big giveaway clue while watching ITV drama Playing Nice, which stars Happy Valley and Grantchester star James.
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 asked their Talk Of The Townsends’ followers on TikTok: “Are you watching brand new TV drama Playing Nice? And if you are, did you notice this?”
Benedict continues: “James Norton is in the show and he has long been rumoured to be the next James Bond.
“Now, every James Bond has in their contract 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.
“Now, admittedly his character is meant to be sort of humbled, so it could just be some kind of character-related wardrobe.”
Hannah chimes in: “But it could be that maybe he is going to be the next James Bond.”
Benedict continues: “He might have signed the contracts already and might be precluded from wearing a tux.”
He goes on: “It’s only after you’ve signed the contract. So Daniel Craig can wear a tux now in a movie. But you didn’t see him in a tux the entire time he played James Bond.”
There has already been massive global speculation about who will play the next James Bond.
Names that have already been thrown into the hat include Aaron Taylor Johnson, Tom Hardy, Theo James and Josh O’Connor.
James is currently a frontrunner, however, with most recent odds sitting at 4/1.
This is despite the actor previously ruling himself out as Daniel Craig‘s stint was coming to an end.
In an interview, he told fans “not to bet on him”, as he doubted he would get the role.
Speaking to the Radio Times in 2017, James said: “It’s really humbling and flattering, but to have my name [tipped for Bond] next to the likes of Tom Hardy and Michael Fassbender is just mad.”
He added: “If you’re thinking of putting a bet on me, keep your money in your pocket.”
Two years later, however, James gave an intriguing interview in which he spoke about downing strong martinis – 007’s signature cocktail.
Commenting on Talk Of The Townsends’ video, followers were quick to jump on their theory about James.
One replied: “It’s a great choice if he is chosen!”
Another added: “He would definitely be the best Bond!”
And a third said: “A very solid theory. I have other people I’d pick for Bond but I would say you might have cracked it.”
