Lorraine Kelly diverted from the interview to gush over the prospect of the Scottish actor, 44, taking on the iconic 007 role however the topic was quickly changed.
Outlander star Sam Heughan has addressed the swirling rumours he could be stepping into the iconic 007 shoes as the next James Bond. The Scottish acting star appeared on Lorraine on Thursday, April 24.
Famed for his role as Highland warrior Jamie Fraser, the 44-year-old joined Lorraine Kelly to chat about the importance of embracing yourself in nature, in partnership with WWF, ahead of running the London Marathon this weekend. He also reflected on Outlander, and responded to suggestions of taking up the Bond role.
Lorraine gushed over the prospect of Heughan portraying the 007 agent, as she admitted they “need a new Scottish bond” to which the actor appeared to brush the comments off with an awkward smirk.
Lorraine then pointed out that now that Outlander had wrapped, he could go into any career spectrum he wanted, as Sam joked “If you’ve got a wee job for me here,” before she cut him off and chimed “James Bond, just saying” repeatedly.
“James Bond, James Bond, I’m just putting it out there,” she continued excitedly, as Heughan looked slightly put on the spot and responded, “I was thinking cups of tea but I’ll take it.”
“I think it’s time to do another Scottish James Bond, it just came into my head there when I was talking to you and I think that would be fantastic.”
Heughan responded with an uncomfortable “ok” as Lorraine swiftly redirected the interview back to the nature campaign, before apologising for dropping the James Bond question on him.
Realising she had put the actor on the spot, the Scots TV host quickly apologised, “Sorry about the James Bond thing but it just occurred to me as I was talking to you but I’ll start that campaign!”
In the past, Sam has made no secret of his desire to take on the iconic character in the past and once said he’d like nothing more than to “see another Scottish Bond”.
Opening up on his dreams of following in the footsteps of the OG Scots Bond – Sean Connery – the actor reflected in an interview about a previous Bond audition. He told the Metro: “It’s a great character, and I’d certainly love to see another Scottish Bond.
“I auditioned for it many years ago. I’d love to have another opportunity. I’m not sure I fit in the suit right now. I would probably have to slim down a bit but yeah, I mean, who knows? It’s a great franchise for sure. I love it.”
Sean Connery made his 007 debut in the first film in the franchise in Dr. No in 1962, with his accent prompting author Ian Fleming to write Scottish heritage into Bond’s past.
And many fans also hope that a Scottish actor is cast as the legendary spy.