James Bond 26: Bodyguard star 'Richard Madden has definitely signed' Is this true?

James Bond 25 hasn’t even officially started filming yet, but attention is already focussed on what comes next. Daniel Craig and his team are taking so long to wrap his tenure as the British agent, it’s no surprise many fans and media are more interested in his successor. Bond 25 was originally scheduled for this autumn but has been pushed back to February 2020. Meanwhile, one UK TV star made a shock announcement today about who will take over in Bond 26.

Way back in October, a leak claimed: “Richard Madden will be offered Daniel Craig role in next few days.”

If that, in fact, happened, it was kept very quiet.

Last night, Madden triumphed at the National Television Awards, scooping Best Drama Performance. He bumped into Lorraine Kelly at the after-show party and she revealed some huge news on her ITV show this morning.

Firstly, Lorraine teased her viewers on the subject of whether there would be a second series of The Bodyguard and if Madden would reprise his role.

She said: “I can’t tell you. No, I cant. It shall remain mine,” but it didn’t take long for her to crack.

Lorraine added “It is going to come back. I think we can safely say Bodyguard is coming back. He’s definitely going to be there.”

The popular host then dropped the bombshell: “And he’s definitely signed to be James Bond.”

Surely she was joking? After all, the popular host is known for her naughty and playful sense of humour.

Much as fans would love it to be true, it is almost certainly a joke. It is hugely unlikely it would ever be revealed like that in a casual remark. Nor is there any sign that the filmmakers are at the point of publicly confirming who will take over from Daniel Craig.

Madden is used to the speculation by now, of course. After his victory at the NTAs, the Scottish star had to dodge the expected questions and not-so-subtle hints about James Bond at the official winners’ press conference.

Complimented on how smart his tuxedo was, one journalist even prodded that he looked  “Very OO7” and fished for any hints about what he was doing next. Madden replied: “Next for me is going to be Rocket Man, the Elton John film. It’s going to be out in May.”

Asked about his dream role he added: “I still want to play Willy Loman in Death of Salesman on stage. Maybe when I’m in my sixties if I make it that long. We’ll see.”

Then again, every good spy needs to know how to keep official secrets…

source: express.co.uk