Bodyguard‘s Richard Madden could be set to become the next James Bond, with one of the show’s producers appearing to confirm he’s being considered for the role.

Following his performance as Sergeant David Budd in the hit BBC drama last year, Madden’s name was thrown into discussions surrounding the new 007.

The actor later addressed the “flattering” speculation but appeared to downplay the claims. “Everyone just loves the rumour mill on that topic,” he said. “I’m just the current one. There’ll be a different one next week.”


Now, it’s been reported that Madden is being seriously considered to replace Daniel Craig as the iconic spy.

Speaking to the Mail about the possibility of another Bodyguard season, an unnamed producer said: “We don’t know if Richard will do series two.

“It depends what happens with James Bond, we don’t know yet.”

Back in October, it was also reported that Madden had been placed at the top of James Bond boss Barbara Broccoli’s list of actors to take over from Craig.


Elsewhere, Bodyguard director Jed Mercurio hinted that Madden’s success could affect the chances of a second instalment.

“He’s the genuine article, a real leading man,” Mercurio said of Madden. “And I think this role has put him very much in the spotlight for bigger things. So the practicality may be that we have to work round his availability, if we are lucky enough to get him back.”

Meanwhile, Bodyguard recently bagged the National Television Award for Best New Drama, with Madden also taking home the gong for Best Drama Performance.