Outlander star Sam Heughan has addressed the swirling rumours he could be stepping into the iconic 007 shoes as the next James Bond. The Scottish acting star appeared on Lorraine on Thursday, 24th April.
Famed for his role as Highland warrior Jamie Fraser, the 44-year-old joined Lorraine Kelly to chat about the importance of embracing yourself in nature, in partnership with WWF, ahead of running the London Marathon this weekend. He also reflected on Outlander, and responded to suggestions of taking up the Bond role.
Lorraine gushed over the prospect of Heughan portraying the 007 agent, as she admitted they “need a new Scottish bond” to which the actor appeared to brush the comments off with an awkward smirk.
Lorraine then pointed out that now that Outlander had wrapped, he could go into any career spectrum he wanted, as Sam joked “If you’ve got a wee job for me here,” before she cut him off and chimed “James Bond, just saying” repeatedly.
“James Bond, James Bond, I’m just putting it out there,” she continued excitedly, as Heughan looked slightly put on the spot and responded, “I was thinking cups of tea but I’ll take it”, reports the Daily Record.
“I think it’s time to do another Scottish James Bond, it just came into my head there when I was talking to you and I think that would be fantastic.”
Heughan responded with an uncomfortable “OK” as Lorraine swiftly redirected the interview back to the nature campaign, before apologising for dropping the James Bond question on him.
Realising she had put the actor in a tricky position, the Scottish TV presenter swiftly said: “Sorry about the James Bond thing but it just occurred to me as I was talking to you but I’ll start that campaign!”
Sam has been vocal about his ambition to don the James Bond persona and once expressed his eagerness to “see another Scottish Bond”.
Reflecting on his aspirations of succeeding Sean Connery as the original Scottish Bond, he opened up in an interview about his past audition for the role. Speaking to the Metro, he shared: “It’s a great character, and I’d certainly love to see another Scottish Bond.
“I auditioned for it many years ago. I’d love to have another opportunity. I’m not sure I fit in the suit right now. I would probably have to slim down a bit but yeah, I mean, who knows? It’s a great franchise for sure. I love it.”
Sean Connery burst onto the scene as 007 with his debut in Dr. No in 1962 and his distinct Scottish brogue led the creator Ian Fleming to integrate Scots ancestry into Bond’s background.
Many enthusiasts also share the hope to see another Scot cast in the legendary role of the secret agent.