James Nelson-Joyce’s name has been thrown into the mix to be the next James Bond and he has revealed whether he’d take on the role of the iconic spy.

The Liverpudlian actor, 36, has captured fans’ attention starring as crime boss Michael Kavanagh in the BBC’s new gritty drama This City Is Ours.

James – who previously worked with Stephen Graham – has blown viewers away with his performance alongside Sean Bean, which has thrown him into mainstream fame.

Now, there is already chatter that he could take on a major film role as the odds have been slashed for him to replace Daniel Craig as the next James Bond.

Breaking his silence, James revealed he would be very interested in playing the 007 spy, saying it would be a ‘privilege’ to be the first ever Scouse Bond.

‘I mean… double oh Scouse, I’m here for it,’ he quipped during an interview with the BBC.

James Nelson-Joyce’s name has been thrown into the mix to be the next James Bond and he has revealed whether he’d take on the role of the iconic spy

Breaking his silence, James revealed he would be very interested in playing the 007 spy, saying it would be a ‘privilege’ to be the first ever Scouse Bond. Pictured: Daniel Craig as Bond 

Since his debut in This City Is Ours, the odds of James being the next Bond have soared from 25-1 to 6-1 in a huge leap, according to Coral Bookmakers. 

‘James Nelson-Joyce has made a big impression on the new BBC crime drama series, This Is Our City,’ Coral’s John Hill said.

‘He has been well backed to become the next James Bond following the opening episode.’

James is in the running alongside the likes of The White Lotus’ Theo James, Superman Henry Cavill and Happy Valley’s James Norton.

Bullet Train star Aaron Taylor-Johnson has also been among the top contenders while fans have also put Harris Dickinson and Jonathan Bailey’s names forward.

It was recently revealed Bond will remain a man and either British or from the Commonwealth after fans were concerned about major changes after Amazon’s franchise takeover. 

James has been working as an actor for around 15 years and admitted it has been ‘surreal’ to be thrown into the limelight off the back of This City Is Ours.

The BBC drama has been a major talking point since its debut last month and fans have been left on the edge of their seats watching the drama unfold.

James is in the running to be the next Bond alongside the likes of The White Lotus’ Theo James (pictured), Superman Henry Cavill and Happy Valley’s James Norton

The Liverpudlian actor, 36, has captured fans’ attention starring as crime boss Michael Kavanagh in the BBC’s new gritty drama This City Is Ours

Read More This City Is Ours’ James Nelson-Joyce’s life from his glam girlfriend to Stephen Graham friendship

The series follows a fictional Liverpool crime family as Michael Kavanagh (James) and Diana Williams’ (Hannah Onslow) criminal careers are crumbling.

Delving into the couple’s relationship, the gritty drama series follows the pair’s highs and lows as Michael balances his crumbling criminal career. 

Sean Bean plays kingpin Ronnie Phelan, whose decision to retire kicks off a war of succession between his loyal partner Michael and eldest son Jamie (Jack McMullen).

The show focuses on the smuggling of cocaine through the Port of Liverpool, with the drama opening with a shipment going missing after arriving from Colombia.

James has impressed fans in the drama’s leading role after previously starring in shows including The Outlaws, Industry, The Gold and A Town Called Malice.

He also appeared in prison drama Time with Sean Bean and Adolescence’s Stephen Graham – who he also starred alongside in his big break, Little Boy Blue.

James and Stephen had met years before while at Nando’s – with the actor previously saying the interaction changed his life. 

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, he explained: ‘I went over and said ‘I’m a big fan, I’ve just left drama school and you’ve been really inspiring.

James has soared to huge acclaim for his leading role in This City Is Ours, but previously starred alongside Sean Bean (both pictured) and Stephen Graham in Time 

He credits Stephen for kickstarting his career, with the acting great encouraging him to audition for bigger roles after his big break in 2017 crime series Little Boy Blue

‘He was with his wife and I thought I better leave them to it. His wife came back over to me and went ”here’s my email let me know when you’re in stuff and we’ll watch out for you”.’ 

‘Three years later when we sat down for the read through of Little Boy Blue, Stephen was just looking at me and he mouthed ”you’re that lad from Nando’s”,’ he went on.

‘He mouthed to me ”boss that lad”, and put his thumbs up.’

While filming 2017 crime series Little Boy Blue, Stephen encouraged James to audition for bigger roles and introduced him to his agent. 

They are also starring together in A Thousand Blows on Netflix, which also features Adolescence’s Erin Doherty.