Bodyguard hunk Richard Madden to try his luck in Hollywood after Golden Globe win and Game of Thrones’ success
BODYGUARD star Richard Madden is leaving the UK to try his luck in Hollywood, according to friends.
The 32-year-old hunk has told pals he is moving to Los Angeles, two months after his split from actress Ellie Bamber.
Richard is already a familiar face in the States thanks to Game of Thrones — and he won a Golden Globe there this year for his performance as David Budd in Bodyguard.
Last night a friend of the actor said: “Richard’s career is going from strength to strength - the world really is his oyster.
“He never really used to like Los Angeles, but went there a couple of times at the end of last year, and fell in love with the place.”
Richard — heavily tipped to be the next James Bond — will be staying with US actor and new pal Brandon Flynn, said to be an influential figure in Hollywood.
The friend went on: “While out there, he also met Brandon who is a massive deal Stateside and very well connected.
“They’ve been on several fun nights out together, and Brandon has introduced lots of his friends to Richard.
“He’s even offered him his home to stay at whilst Richard sets up meetings, and tries his hand in Hollywood.
“Obviously Britain will always be home but if Richard does make it big in the States, it certainly won’t do his Bond chances any harm.”
Brandon, 25, whose exes include Brit pop star Sam Smith, has more than five million followers on Instagram and is a champion of LGBT rights.
He became an overnight star following his acclaimed performance in the controversial teen suicide drama 13 Reasons Why.
He and Richard began following each another online last October, and were later pictured together at LA’s trendy Chateau Marmont.
Scots-born Richard — who has a £750,000 home in East London — is currently one of the UK’s hottest properties.
After playing Robb Stark in HBO blockbuster Game of Thrones, he rocketed to fame last year in the BBC smash-hit Bodyguard.
As DS David Budd he was assigned to protect Keeley Hawes’ Home Secretary Julia Montague in the six-parter — with the series finale watched by 17.1 million viewers.
Richard has also appeared in movies including Cinderella.
He will soon be seen again on cinema screens playing Elton John’s manager and former lover John Reid in a biopic about the Rocket Man’s life.
In it he features in a sex scene with fellow Brit actor Taron Egerton, who plays the pop star.
Richard will also be back in action as David Budd on Friday in a Comic Relief special.
He will be joined by original cast members including Gina McKee and Vincent Franklin, plus comedian Sanjeev Bhaskar.
Bodyguard writer Jed Mercurio has hinted there will be a second series but not until next year.
Madden and Idris Elba are both in the frame to play 007.
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