HIS raspy voice defined his roles as Batman villain Bane and infamous criminal Charles Bronson.

But now Tom Hardy will be putting his vocal cords to a whole new use as he gears up to make a dramatic career change.

9 Tom Hardy is getting ready to change careers Credit: Getty Images - Getty

I can reveal the Hollywood actor has been busy writing his own rap/grime album and has even teamed up with top record producer Sam Williams, who has worked with Plan B and David Bowie, to put it together.

It comes after a rap mixtape called Falling On Your A***, which Tom made nearly two decades ago under the moniker Tommy No 1, was leaked online earlier this year. A source said: “Tom has always had a huge passion for rapping ever since he was a young boy.

“In the past he’s put song- writing on the backburner but just recently decided to pick things up again after building a friendship with producer Sam Williams.

“They’ve been busy working on a selection of songs together for an album and it’s really starting to get some steam.

9 The actor is known for his raspy voice when he played Batman villain Bane Credit: AP:Associated Press

9 Tom also played the infamous criminal Charles Bronson Credit: Handout

“Tom’s a bit tentative about releasing it for the world but big labels including Warner have already shown an interest in picking it up, so there is real potential for it to hit the charts.”

The Mad Max star previously revealed that he had worked alongside Grammy-winning ­producers on rap music when he was a youngster.

He said: “I started out ­rapping when I was 14 or 15. I used to be with the guy who managed Leela James and Lauryn Hill, Pras, the Fugees and all that.

“I worked with Warren Riker and Gordon Williams. I’ve recorded loads of stuff but it’s never been released.

9 Tom Hardy is reportedly already working with music producers Credit: Rex Features

“I’ve got albums, man. My best friend Peanut, we grew up in the south Bronx. He’s a very good MC and we still play.”

Tom also unveiled his vocal ­talents when he featured in 2015 ­musical London Road — starring as a crooning ­Cockney cabbie who sang about murder.

Hopefully his new rap tracks won’t have such a dark subject matter.

READ ON FOR MORE OF SIMON BOYLE'S BIZARRE COLUMN

Nicki's dress excess

9 No one could mess with Nicki Minaj as she wore this dress to the Marc Jacobs fashion show on Wednesday Credit: Getty - Contributor

EVEN Cardi B would find it hard not to rub shoulders with Nicki Minaj at the Marc Jacobs ­fashion show on Wednesday.

While Cardi has been keeping a low profile since their huge bust-up last week, her music enemy made her mark on New York Fashion Week with this bold outfit, featuring enormous puff sleeves and a lot of cleavage.

It’s been a week since Cardi hurled a shoe at Nicki and sparked 2018’s biggest pop feud, which ­allegedly began with Nicki criticising new mum Cardi’s ­parenting skills.

Nicki would have been well protected in this outfit.

Cardi B and Nicki Minaj fight at NYFW Harper's Bazaar party as Cardi throws her shoe at rival but leaves with a huge bump on her head

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MADNESS star Suggs has announced his annual An Evening With Suggs And Friends fundraiser, with music from the star himself and UB40. It takes place on November 1 in London, with proceeds going to Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Insta-glam

9 Gigi Hadid looks like she's ready to go to The Jungle

GIGI HADID has her outfit on standby should she get a last-minute call-up for this year’s I’m A Celebrity.

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PIXIE LOTT has been spreading her pop pearls of wisdom. She invited fans to join her on an intimate ­writing ­session for her brand new track, Rhythm Of The Rain through virtual app ­MelodyVR.

Brit Bart could bag new Bond

THE James Bond franchise was rocked after Danny Boyle made a shock departure as director of the next 007 movie.

But I can reveal an upcoming Brit filmmaker is now in the frame to take over the reins – the man behind American Animals and The Imposter, Bart Layton.

9 Danny Boyle could become the next creative director for James Bond Credit: Getty Images - Getty

The creative director, below, who’s bagged ­multiple film awards, revealed that he has been approached by bosses about replacing Danny at the helm.

In an interview on talkRADIO’s TalkFILM podcast, he said: “I am in discussions about it. There’s nothing more concrete. It’s very flattering to be put in the mix for something like that, and of course we’ve all grown up watching Bond with our dads and stuff like that. Well, a lot of us have.

“I probably have got bitten by the bug of action film making and all of the magic that comes with that.”

Despite this, Bart admitted he would find it hard to top his favourite Bond blockbuster – The Spy Who Loved Me, which was released in 1977. He added: “I mean obviously my Bond was Roger Moore and when you’re a kid that’s your Bond. You don’t really think about whether he’s the best Bond. He’s your guy. Was it The Spy Who Loved Me with the car that went underwater? For me, it didn’t get better than that. But of course as you grow up you realise maybe there were better ones.”

9 Daniel Craig has taken a role in another film which is delaying the release of the next Bond film Credit: Getty - Contributor

What is the next James Bond film called and when is it released in the UK? date, cast rumours, plot and director

Bart’s link to Bond comes after I revealed the new film – dubbed “Bond 25” – has been delayed after Daniel Craig signed up to a major new role.

Instead of starting work on 007, he will take the lead in detective drama Knives Out, which starts production in November – a month before the ­latest Bond was scheduled to start filming.

The new dad, who has just welcomed his first child with actress Rachel Weisz, will play a murder squad lead detective in the film, which is inspired by Agatha Christie thrillers.

Bart will have to get things back on track if he lands the Bond gig.

Wives learn the joy of Six I SENT Bizarre’s SARAH PACKER to review one of the West End’s latest productions. SIX is a musical about the wives of Henry VIII who are so fed up with being famous for their marriages, they form a girl band to finally get their voices heard. It doesn’t sound like the most appealing plot – but it works and makes for a very entertaining night. Each wife has a chance to state her case for why she had the worst life being married to Henry. Is it Anne Boleyn for getting her head chopped off? Or maybe poor Anne of Cleves being dumped for not looking as fit in real life as her portrait. The winner gets to front a LITTLE MIX-inspired girl band but competition is tough due to the sassy, fierce and laugh-out-loud moments from each of the show’s stars, who truly bring the wow factor with their phenomenal voices. Even if you don’t come away having learned a great deal about history, the 75-minute show, which started out as a student production, will leave you feeling uplifted, empowered and ready to party the night away. SIX is on at the Arts Theatre London until October 14 then tours the UK. See sixthemusical.com.

Not a Lara demand anymore

9 Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft in Tomb Raider drew in underwhelming profits Credit: Handout

PLANS for a Tomb Raider sequel are dead in the water after the reboot with Alicia Vikander as heroine Lara Croft drew underwhelming profits.

The actress insisted she would love to return to the role but movie ­insiders tell me they doubt it will return.

It comes after the action ­blockbuster was released on March 16 and failed to pull in the cash the studio was hoping for. Speaking earlier this year Alicia said: “I adored taking on the role of Lara. So yeah, we’ll see. If there’s an audience out there for it, then I would love to.”

Looks like she’ll have to make do with playing the computer game for the time being.

Alicia Vikander ​stars as Lara Croft​ in the secondcfor the ​upcoming Tomb Raider release

Olly on a Lipa hunt OLLY MURS clearly has a type when it comes to choosing a leading lady for his music videos. A casting notice for the singer’s next song shoot has revealed he is on the lookout for a Dua Lipa lookalike to appear alongside him. The description says the woman must be aged between 18 and 30 and “beautiful, hip, and alluring. Dua Lipa as inspiration.” It comes after I revealed Olly has teamed up with hip-hop star Snoop Dogg on his first music in more than a year. Pop prince Olly is hoping Snoop will help keep things fresh as he gears up to release his sixth album.

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