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.
‘Hairy men’ needed to play soldiers in returning major fantasy TV series
Thomas Melia
A huge TV series has issued an urgent casting call for, very specifically, ‘hairy men’ to play soldiers.
The exact show hasn’t been named in the casting call, but it’s definitely a major returning fantasy, and is reportedly House of the Dragon, the hit Game of Thrones spin-off.
This big on demand show is set to start filming in just two months’ time, meaning anyone considering shouldn’t wait to apply.
There are a list of key characteristics candidates should have if hoping for this role, including a great work ethic and a professional attitude, something all Mancs like to think we have.
The job description states that no prior acting experience is required, one of the only other things you need to be good at is waking up early (well that’s me out).
Most importantly, headhunters are looking for individuals to take on that have one big factor in common… lots of hair.
On the official website where you can submit your headshots and photos, you will find a mood board filled with ranging hairstyles that fit the desired look the show is going for.
Just one example of a long-haired man who fits the criteria for the returning series.Another similar hair style choice to the guide from the casting call.Credit via Unsplash
Most of the pictures on the site range from long curly locks to big bushy beards – it’s a shame Santa will be back in the North Pole by now.
All candidates must have grown-out hair, ‘overgrown scruff to longer beards’, this means no short, back and sides, or any ‘modern fades’ as stated by the casting team.
If the rumours are true and this turns out to be a shoot for House Of The Dragon, it would be great to see even more Northern talent feature in this show.
It wasn’t too long ago that fans and Mancs alike realised that actor Olivia Cooke, who plays Lady Alicent Hightower, was a local lass herself, born not too far away in Oldham.
One final and important note is that anyone who is likely to apply must make sure they’re 18+ and have a right to work in the UK.
Filming will take place across North Wales and the South East from March onwards, with rate of pay roughly £140-£300+ per day (depending on hours worked).
To apply for a chance to feature in the returning major fantasy series, you can do so by visiting the site HERE.
Greater Manchester set to be battered by ‘impactful’ heavy rain and wind this week
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester is set to be battered by some heavy rain and wind this week, according to the Met Office.
While things have seemed surprisingly more settled for the time of year over the last week or so, with clearer skies and chilly winter mornings being fairly commonplace, all that will change very soon, as the Met Office has forecasted that the UK is set to be battered by some ‘impactful’ heavy rain and strong winds as the week goes on.
Low pressure systems will bring a more ‘unsettled’ spell of weather, with a severe weather warning for wind issued for certain parts of the UK.
Today is expected to be filled with grey skies and light rain here in Greater Manchester, with cloud covering much of the rest of the country, and other outbreaks of rain elsewhere, whereas on Wednesday, the focus of rain will shift to southern England instead.
The weather looks set to turn more unsettled during the forthcoming week 🌧️ 🌬️
Thursday is where it’s set to take the biggest downturn though, as a front bringing heavy rain moves eastwards through the day, and it’s us here in North West England that are expected to see the highest accumulations too, with 20-30mm could falling over the hills, and some hill snow even possible over the Scottish mountains too.
A deep area of low pressure will also have ‘deepened rapidly’ by Thursday, bringing ‘strengthening winds’ to western parts of the UK along with it overnight, followed by more heavy rainfall.
Greater Manchester is set to be battered by ‘impactful’ heavy rain and wind this week / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“A very deep area of low pressure will bring a very unsettled, potentially disruptive, spell of weather to the UK through Friday and into Saturday,” explained Chris Almond, who is the Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist.
“Winds will begin to strengthen on Thursday night, with the peak gusts forecast through Friday in Northern Ireland and western Scotland. The wind will also be accompanied by heavy rain bringing some unpleasant conditions to end the week.
“We have issued a Yellow weather warning for wind, and with several days before the impactful weather, the forecast details are likely to be fine-tuned during the week, so stay tuned to your local forecast and keep up to date with Met Office warnings.”
Emily Sergeant -
3rd January 2023 
