Next James Bond: Rumoured BBC star tied to role finally speaks out on reports – ‘Would love to!’
Liverpool actor James Nelson-Joyce has openly declared his ambition to become the first Scouse James Bond.
The 36-year-old performer, recognised for his roles in BBC dramas The Nest and Time, told hosts Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg and Ian Ladyman that he would embrace bringing a Merseyside accent to the iconic spy character.
“Anyone would want to play James Bond,” Nelson-Joyce told the Mail’s Whistleblowers podcast.
When asked by Smart whether he would incorporate a “Merseyside twang” into the role, the actor responded: “That’s exactly what I would do, yeah.”
The actor distinguished himself from performers who play coy about their interest in the legendary role.
“I am not one of these cool actors who say: ‘Ooh I don’t know.’ I would love to do it,” Nelson-Joyce said.
He acknowledged the significance of potentially taking over from Daniel Craig, who concluded his tenure as 007 with 2021’s No Time to Die after five films.
“With James Bond though, there’s a lot more that comes into it. It’s that next, next level,” the Liverpool-born actor explained.
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Nelson-Joyce has built his reputation playing antagonists in television dramas, most recently appearing alongside fellow Liverpudlian Stephen Graham in the crime series This City Is Ours.
During the podcast appearance, Nelson-Joyce entertained listeners by performing some of Bond’s classic lines in a thick Liverpudlian accent. T
The actor, who has emerged as a surprise contender for the role following the success of This City Is Ours, demonstrated how he would approach the character’s famous dialogue with his distinctive Scouse delivery.
His recent work in the Liverpool-set crime drama, where he portrayed part of a power struggle among crime families, has elevated his profile.
Nelson-Joyce has previously credited his This City Is Ours co-star Stephen Graham with helping to kickstart his career in the industry.
Bookmakers currently offer Nelson-Joyce odds of 6/1 to secure the coveted role, positioning him as a genuine contender in the race to become the next 007.
Amazon has acquired the rights to produce the next Bond film, with speculation suggesting a 2026 release date.
Various young British actors have been rumoured to be in discussions for the part since Craig’s departure.
Beyond his Bond aspirations, Nelson-Joyce revealed on the podcast that his dream role would be portraying Manchester United legend George Best in a biopic, describing the footballer as “an amazing player” and “a legend off the pitch, probably the first celebrity footballer.”