Jump directly to the content
The name's Norton

Who is James Norton and will he be the next James Bond?

JAMES Norton's career is on the up after a fabulous five years and he's strongly tipped to be the next James Bond.

The handsome star's career is riding high and he can be found on the big and small screen.

 James Norton is the actor of 2020
James Norton is the actor of 2020Credit: Getty Images - Getty

Who is James Norton?

James kicked off his career with small film parts in An Education, Rush and Belle.

The 34-year-old was born in London on July 18, 1985.

However, he was brought up in rural Yorkshire by his teacher parents where he caught the acting bug after playing Joseph in a school nativity play.

After attending the prestigious Catholic boarding school Ampleforth College, he read theology at Cambridge University before pursuing acting at Rada.

 James played Reverend Sidney Chambers alongside Robson Green in Grantchester
2
James played Reverend Sidney Chambers alongside Robson Green in GrantchesterCredit: Splash News

Will James Norton be the next James Bond?

In January 2020 it was revealed that James is now the current favourite to be named the next 007.

A spokeswoman for Ladbrokes confirmed that the actor was 4-5 favourite to get the coveted gig and said it had halted betting.

It is unknown if a mooted two-year, £40million contract has formally been signed.

But it is understood that producer Eon Productions could make the announcement once the latest Bond movie, released in April 2020, has finished its cinema run.

 James starred in the BBC drama McMafia
2
James starred in the BBC drama McMafia

What is James Norton famous for?

James is probably best known for playing the lead role in Grantchester since it started in 2014.

However, after his star began to soar, he quit the show in 2019 to pursue other offers.

Other notable work includes James' 2017 role as creepy rapist and murderer Tommy Lee Royce in Happy Valley.

He also starred in the acclaimed 2018 BBC drama McMafia.

In 2020 he returned to our screens in the Trial of Christine Keeler.

 James is in a relationship with Imogen Poots
James is in a relationship with Imogen PootsCredit: WENN

Who is James Norton dating?

In December 2017, it was revealed that James was dating fellow actress, Imogen Poots. 

They have also starred together in West End production BelleVille at the Donmar Warehouse.

He previously dated Jessie Buckley after they met on the set of the Beeb's adaptation of War & Peace back in 2015.

What has James Norton said about having diabetes?

James has been open about the fact that he suffers from type 1 diabetes, which he was diagnosed with at the age of 22.

He told the : “It’s interesting being on stage or on set because your body is full of adrenaline and that screws up your sugar.

“Especially when I’m on stage for a full hour and a half.

“I have to anticipate it at the beginning of the show and make sure my sugar levels are going up or are at least stable.”

James injects insulin into his body to help his body process sugar properly.

He also revealed that he keeps sugar tablets on him - and even stitches them into his costumes when he's filming a period drama.

Grantchester returns to ITV for a third series starring James Norton and Robson Green
Topics