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James Norton discusses Grantchester return and Bond rumours on This Morning

He's in the running

Period drama Grantchester is back this weekend and star James Norton visited This Morning to talk about his role.

While he was there, hosts Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford took the opportunity to quiz him about rumours he’ll be the next James Bond.

Read more: Eamonn Holmes promises to look after Kerry Katona

“It’s lovely to be in the conversation, but selfishly, I love Daniel Craig, so I hope he does two or three more movies,” James replied.

He’s currently 4/1 in the odds putting him in with the likes of Idris Elba, Aidan Turner, Tom Hardy, and Tom Hiddleston.

James plays Sidney Chambers in Grantchester, the local vicar who teams up with copper Geordie Keating to solve crime.

The show returns to ITV this Sunday and James told Eamonn and Ruth that he likes playing the gentle cleric.

“Sidney is closer to me. It’s challenging to play someone just like you. You learn a lot about yourself. Sidney spends a lot of time thinking, praying.”

As well as all the crime fighting, James revealed the series will focus on his character’s relationship with Amanda Kendall.

Amanda is separated from her husband and has a baby, but she and Sidney are in love. Can they ever make it work, though, with all the obstacles in their way?

Read more: Mark Wright says marriage will work despite months of separation

James is also best-known for his role in thrilling drama Happy Valley.

He played villain Tommy-Lee Royce in the series, which was a complete change of pace for the usually lovable actor.

Joking with Ruth and Eamonn it was just a case of “shaving his head” to look evil, he also revealed there are plans for a new series.

He’ll be a busy boy if that goes ahead – especially if he gets the Bond role too.

He’s recently returned from LA where he filmed a remake of classic movie Flatliners alongside Kiefer Sutherland and Ellen Page.

The star insisted London is his home, though it sounds like he’s more than ready to dip his toes in the waters of Hollywood to us.


Carena Crawford
Associate Editor (Soaps)