One of the North West‘s fastest rising young stars is reportedly said to be “in consideration” for the next James Bond.
Fans of the smash-hit show Emily in Paris – which is currently drawing in millions of viewers globally after releasing its third series on Netflix just before Christmas – may recognise Lucien Laviscount for playing the part of English banker Alfie, who turns up as a student in lead character Emily’s French class in the second series and goes on to become one of her love interests.
But could he soon be known for a different role?
Well, if the rumours that have been circulating in the tabloids and on social media over the last 24-hours are anything to go by, the 30-year-old Burnley-born actor may be set to swap Paris for the life of a MI6 agent.
He has reportedly grabbed the attention of 007 producer Barbara Broccoli, and is now believed to be in the running for the highly-coveted part of James Bond.
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Lucien Laviscount reportedly ‘in consideration’ for the next James Bond / Credit: Netflix
Laviscount may have also made a name for himself after securing roles in Grange Hill, Coronation Street, Waterloo Road, the 2017 remake of Snatch, and on US series Scream Queens, and Katy Keene, as well as being a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother in 2011 – but stepping into the shoes of James Bond would be a whole new territory.
They explained: “He is a super-talented actor, is extremely handsome, and in the past 18 months has won lots of new fans since he joined Emily In Paris.
“Bond bosses are already saying how you can see him in the 007 tuxedo, how dapper and fitting to the role he will look.”
James Bond is undoubtedly one of the most famous characters of all time, and the role is always considered to be one of the hottest roles in Hollywood, whatever the generation, but it is perhaps none more so than at the moment following Daniel Craig’s departure after starring as the famous spy for five films from 2006’s Casino Royale to 2021’s No Time To Die.
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The 30-year-old is said to have caught the eye of 007 producers / Credit: Lucien Laviscount (via Instagram)
Laviscount is the latest actor to appear on the ever-growing list of names to replace Craig in the 007 role, and comes after fellow Brit Aaron Taylor-Johnson emerged as a frontrunner last month.
Taylor-Johnson was, at the time, said to be ahead of other huge acting names including former Superman star Henry Cavill, Bridgerton’s Regé-Jean Page, Tom Hardy, and BAFTA-winner Chiwetel Ejiofor, but it’s unsure at this moment where Laviscount sits in this lineup and how much of a chance he stands.
Despite all the rumours of frontrunners though, it’s believed that Broccoli and fellow producer Michael G Wilson are to make a casting announcement in March.
More adult virgins needed for next series of Channel 4’s hit reality show Virgin Island
Emily Sergeant
Channel 4 is back looking for more adult virgins to take part in the potential next series of its hit reality show Virgin Island.
You may remember that early last year, we brought you the breaking highly-important news that Channel 4 was currently in the process of producing a new reality TV series that, at the time, had the working title of ‘The Intimacy Retreat’ and was looking for a group of adult virgins to apply to take part, if they were brave enough.
But now, well over a year on, we all know that show turned out to be the hit show Virgin Island – which has just finished airing its first series this week.
Channel 4 needs more adult virgins for the potential next series of its hit reality TV show Virgin Island / Credit: Channel 4
If you’re unfamiliar with Virgin Island, it’s unlike anything ever seen on TV before, as it follows the journey of a group of adult virgins who are whisked off to a Mediterranean island retreat to learn life-changing skills in the art of intimacy.
Working with leading international therapists, the aim is to help the young people overcome their fears and insecurities when it comes to intimacy and sex.
Channel 4 said it chose to commission the show after a recent study into intimacy found out that one in eight British 26-year-olds is, apparently, still a virgin.
Virgin Island aims to help young people overcome their insecurities around intimacy and sex / Credit: Channel 4
A casting call for the new series on the Channel 4 website reads: “Are you a virgin and do you need help and guidance with your fears and insecurities around intimacy and sex? Double Act Productions is casting adults for a potential second series of Virgin Island.”
You just need to be over 21 years of age to take part in the show.
Fancy it then? Or know someone who may be up for the ride? Applications for the potential next series of Virgin Island are now open, and there’s still plenty of time left to put your name down.
You can find out more and register your interest here.
Featured Image – Channel 4
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New survey finds most drivers can’t complete a car journey without using their mobile
Emily Sergeant
A shocking new report has revealed that most Brits are unable to complete a car journey without using their mobile behind the wheel.
After shocking images taken with an AI camera of drivers using mobiles and not wearing seatbelts on the roads across Greater Manchester were released to the public last November, a new report has now shed some more light on drivers’ excessive phone use while on the roads, proving that they’re the ultimate distraction.
In fact, nine out of 10 drivers struggle to complete a journey without being distracted by their phones, according a recent report from IMS and the RAC.
The research – which is based on survey results from 500,000 drivers over the past year, originally shared exclusively with This is Money – shows that only 10% of motorists manage to drive from start to finish without interacting with their mobile device.
And this is despite the risk of consequences such as £200 fines and six penalty points on their license, if caught.
A new survey has fount that most drivers can’t complete a car journey without using their mobile at some point / Credit: Geograph | Vincent Wachowiak (via Unsplash)
As mentioned, it’s also despite the increasing use of advanced artificial intelligence roadside cameras to detect ‘distracted drivers’ and their illegal mobile phone use.
Government data showed that mobile phone use was a contributing factor in 23 road fatalities last year alone, and official statistics also show that ‘distraction or impairment’ was the third most-common cause of fatal crashes, having played a role in 34.9% of deadly incidents.
The RAC is now encouraging police forces across the UK to start taking immediate action.
“We saw a reduction in motorists admitting to illegal handheld phone use after the penalties were toughened in 2017 following pressure from the RAC, but numbers are on the rise again now,” explained RAC road safety spokesperson, Rod Dennis
“In fact, our research shows the proportion of young drivers making and receiving calls illegally hit its highest rate in eight years in 2024.
“Enforcement of the law is critical, so we encourage police forces to roll out more roadside cameras to catch people in the act and get them to change their ways.”