Bond boss keeps spy fans guessing

HAPPY Valley star James Norton is among the bookies’ favourites to be the next James Bond, joined by Bridgerton heart- throb Rege- Jean Page and Kick-Ass actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

Yet, Barbara Broccoli, co-producer of the 007 films, tells me that Daniel Craig’s successor is still a long time from being handed his Walther PPK.

‘ We have to first figure out what we’re going to do story-wise and everything,’ she says. ‘ So casting will be way off. We’re certainly not casting at the moment and don’t have any plans to cast for some time.’

Her co- producer, Michael G. Wilson, has said that the next super-spy would be in his 30s and the role would be a ‘reinvention’. He said: ‘We’ve tried looking at younger people in the past. But trying to visualise it doesn’t work. Remember, Bond’s already a veteran. He isn’t some kid out of high school.’