James Bond Executives ‘Eye Up Lancashire-Born Hunk Lucien Laviscount as the Next 007′
Katie Hind, Daily Mail, December 31, 2022
He has won over millions of fans as the charming heart-throb in the Netflix series Emily In Paris.
And now it can be revealed that actor Lucien Laviscount has also caught the eye of James Bond boss Barbara Broccoli and is being lined up to become the new 007 to replace Daniel Craig.
The debonair Burnley-born actor caught the attention of the movie franchise’s bosses for his role in the romcom series as Alfie, boyfriend of Emily Cooper, played by Lily Collins.
James Bond executives eye up Lucien Laviscount as next 007 https://t.co/zjAXM6X99e
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Laviscount, 30, whose first role was as a child model for Marks & Spencer when he was ten, is also deemed to be the perfect age to play Bond. Ms Broccoli has made it clear she wants the next actor to portray the character for 15 years, which rules out former favourite Idris Elba, who turned 50 in September.
It is also thought that Ms Broccoli and her team are keen to have an ethnic-minority star to play 007 so the franchise is reflective of modern society.
However, some executives are fearful Laviscount’s appearance on reality show Celebrity Big Brother in 2011, when he finished in fifth place, will tarnish his chances of getting the job because previous Bonds have been more highbrow.
A source said: ‘Lucien ticks all of the boxes. He is a super talented actor, is extremely handsome and in the past 18 months has won lots of new fans since he joined Emily In Paris.
‘Bond bosses are already saying how you can see him in the 007 tuxedo, how dapper and fitting to the role he will look.
‘But, there is a sticking point, and that is Big Brother. Lucien appeared on the show at a time when his acting career was not as high-profile as it is now, but he was very popular then and has a fan base now which stretches generations. That is a dream for Barbara who is very taken with him.’
Laviscount joined Emily In Paris for its second series when his British banker character swept leading lady Emily off her feet after meeting her during their French lessons. They went on to enjoy a romance after he decided to live in the French capital.
Laviscount’s first acting role was in BBC drama Clocking Off before he landed a full-time job on Coronation Street, playing religious swimmer Ben Richardson. Following his stint on Celebrity Big Brother, he starred in Waterloo Road before moving to the US and a role as Earl Grey in Fox’s horror comedy series Scream Queens.
He is also in BBC3 drama Peacock, as well as Netflix movie Your Christmas Or Mine alongside Angela Griffin and Sex Education actor Asa Butterfield. Laviscount has reportedly dated a number of celebrities including Kelly Osbourne and Little Mix singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock.
Meanwhile, it can also be revealed that despite Ms Broccoli saying no announcement on a new 007 film is imminent, stunt men and women are being tested at Pinewood Studios. A source there said: ‘They want to be ready for when things start moving with the new Bond.’
