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| The nail-biting finale of Sally Wainwright's Happy Valley has had everyone asking the same question – what's next for James Norton who played brutish Tommy Lee Royce and will it be Bond?
Norton wowed fans with his dark and gritty performance as his character Tommy had an epic showdown with his enemy Catherine Cawood – with the serial murderer's fate sealed.
The 37-year-old British actor has proved himself to be extremely versatile during his career, playing an Anglican vicar and amateur sleuth in the ITV hit show Grantchester and starring in the crime drama McMafia as Alex Godman, the son of a Russian mafia boss living in London.
Will the future be Bond-shaped though? Norton addressed the swirling 007 rumours in an interview with Vera Magazine, just days before the show's dramatic finale.
"It's flattering to be in the conversation," he said in the interview, not elaborating on whether he had been approached by Bond producers.
Bookies are already tipping him to be one of the frontrunners for the coveted spy role alongside Henry Cavill, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Rege-Jean Page, with Norton's odds now at just 3/1.
Happy Valley fans also shared their thoughts on social media Norton being the next Bond after the show wrapped up.
"Petition for James Norton to be the new James Bond" tweeted @jimshelley17.
"After the finale of Happy Valley, can we all just agree that James Norton is the only choice for the next Bond?" posted Sam Malin on Twitter.
Will he manage to beat out the competition and bag the best role in cinema? We'll keep you updated here at the Exploding Pen.
Do you think James Norton would make a great Bond? Email us your thoughts.
You can read the full story here. |
| Along with fast cars and shaken-not-stirred martinis, Bond is probably best known for romancing the ladies.
Why not channel some of 007's charisma and incorporate a Bond-themed twist to your Valentine's Day plans?
From lavish gifts to 007 experiences, there are plenty of options to choose from to make this romantic day, one to remember.
You can read our full gift guide here. |
Is the Bond dream over for Tom Hardy? |
| Tom Hardy was initially one of the bookies' top picks for the role of Bond, alongside Witcher star Henry Cavill, but that seems to have wavered according to the latest odds.
Despite a strong start, Hardy has slipped down the Bond leaderboard in recent months and has been overtaken by younger stars including James Norton, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Rege-Jean Page.
Ever since producers stated they are looking for a younger 007, the 45-year-old's odds have worsened and now they are at the lowest they have been in some time. At the moment, Ladbrokes have given Hardy 10/1 odds on becoming Craig's replacement.
You can read the full story here. |
