Richard Madden ‘IS in running for James Bond’ throwing his future in BBC’s Bodyguard into doubt
After months of speculation it appears as though Richard Madden is in contention to be the next James Bond
RICHARD Madden has been a hot favourite to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond ever since he captivated the nation as a volatile ex-soldier in the Bodyguard.
And after months of speculation it appears as though the producers of the hit BBC show have let slip that the hunk is definitely in the running for the 007 role.
Securing the silver screen job would be the role of a lifetime for Madden, 32, but it would throw his future in the Bodyguard into doubt.
A second series is expected but a producer on the show told the : “We don’t know if Richard will do series two.”
He added: “It depends what happens with James Bond, we don’t know yet.”
Madden has made it no secret that he would be thrilled to succeed Craig in the coveted role.
In the interview, he couldn’t help but gush about the opportunity, saying it was a ‘brilliant thing’ to be touted as Craig’s successor.
He previously said: "I love the movies. I’ve read all the books."
But he added: "If you talk about it, you’ll curse it."
The news that Madden is in contention for the 007 job comes days after he scooped the Golden Globe for best actor in a TV drama series for the Bodyguard.
The 32-year-old – who played PC David Budd in the hit BBC show – appeared shocked as he beat off competition from Jason Bateman and Matthew Rhys.
As he took to the stage at the ceremony, after being embraced by Luther star Idris Elba on his way up to the stage, he said: "I didn't see this coming at all."
He also thanked his absent co-star Keeley Hawes, adding: “I wouldn't be here at all if it wasn't for the amazing cast and crew who worked really hard and thank you to Keeley Hawes, who is the best actress I could ever work with, who is amazing and generous."
He then thanked creator Jed Mercurio, saying: "Thanks for writing this and thanks for trusting me to do it.”
And finally he thanked his parents saying: "Mum and dad, who flew all the way from Scotland, I wouldn't be here without you."
Richard is already officially the bookies' favourite to take on the coveted 007 role as Daniel Craig steps down.
Scooping the prestigious Golden Globe award may help cement his place in the Bond series - as it's rumoured producers were keen that he boost his US profile before signing him up.
Bodyguard co-star Pippa Haywood has also tipped him for the role, saying: “It will be interesting to see the choices Richard makes, but the rest of the country knows what a brilliant actor he is and that he could turn his hand to so many different things, including Bond.
“The whole country wants him to play Bond."
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Bodyguard first hit our screens in August this year and quickly became the most-watched drama since records began in 2002.
The BBC show drew in an audience of 17.1 million across 28 days - the largest audience recorded for a TV show that wasn't a sporting or national event since 2010.
The series followed troubled bodyguard and police officer David and his relationship with Home Secretary Julia Montague, who was killed off halfway through the series.
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