Fans think James Norton is the next James Bond after noticing little-known contract detail

Fans believe they've found the next James Bond, all thanks to one minor detail.

There's a lot of pressure to live up to the likes of Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig among other iconic 007 actors.

While fans were screaming for Aaron Taylor-Johnson, it looks like there's another British actor that has usurped his title as favourite for the role of the legendary spy.

James Norton, best known for his roles in TV series Happy Valley and Grantchester, has widely been rumoured to become the next Bond.

I mean, his name means that he's halfway there already.

Now, content creators Benedict and Hannah Townsend claimed on their TV podcast together Talk Of The Townsends, that a new ITV drama series has reportedly given away Norton's role.

Starring the actor, it's called Playing Nice, and they think he has given away the news that he will soon be taking his Martinis shaken, not stirred.

Daniel Craig has been James Bond since 2006 (Sony)

During its third episode, Norton's character is at a gala event, though he is the only one not wearing a cool tuxedo, instead sporting a plain suit.

Hannah said in a TikTok clip: "Are you watching brand new TV drama Playing Nice? And if you are, did you notice this?"

Her husband added: "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."

But Hannah said it could be a sign of the actor taking on the role of Bond.

The scrutiny doesn't end there though, as the actor was questioned live on the radio, despite hosts being told they couldn't ask about the role.

Norton has been heavily linked with the role (Neil Mockford/WireImage)

As a guest on the Capital Breakfast show, Norton was questioned about the potential role by a caller, Nathan, to which Norton quickly shut down, deflecting the attention to one of his shows.

The caller asked if it was the end of his 'sad dad' era, and the beginning of his time as Bond, though he simply replied: “Bond question! Do you know what, when they asked me what the villain I’d like to play, I was like, ‘Don’t say Bond villain, don’t say Bond villain.’

“In fact, the show I just mentioned, playing King Harold in the Battle of Hastings drama which we’ve got coming out, I’ve got a little tinge of the sad dad in that.”

But his deflection has fooled no-one, as many film fans reckon Norton will indeed be the next Bond.

What do you think?

Amazon MGM Studios, Michael G. Wilson, and Barbara Broccoli yesterday announced that they have formed a new joint venture to house the James Bond intellectual property rights, and those parties will remain co-owners of the franchise.