Is James Norton going to be the new James Bond and what do we know about him?

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James Norton is tipped to be the new James Bond, taking on the role from Daniel Craig.Image source, Getty Images

James Norton's now the favourite to become 007.

With Daniel Craig expecting to step down, there's been endless speculation about who'll get the licence to kill.

Up until now, Tom Hiddleston's been tipped as the man for the job but his recent antics with new girlfriend Taylor Swift may have put him out of the running.

He's now third favourite - behind Aidan Turner and James Norton.

So what do we know about James Norton and does he have the credentials to become the next Bond?

He's educated

Before he turned his hand to acting, James went to Cambridge where he read Theology.

He graduated in 2007 with First Class Honours.

Image source, Thinkstock

He's already mastered his brooding and moody look

He's adventurous

After university James travelled to Nepal.

But there's no word on whether he jumped off Everest, with just skis and a parachute.

Image source, Thinkstock

Women love him

His dashing good looks and the fact that he wears a tuxedo help.

James was also recently named Glamour magazine's Man of the Year.

James was recently named Glamour magazine's Man of the Year , external

In an interview with The Telegraph, external, James says he's happy to be swooned over and doesn't mind be being "objectified".

"Well, it's been so long, hasn't it, that women have found themselves in that position?

"And so now, it feels right that it is happening the other way round."

He started young

James started his acting career as a boy.

At his boarding school in Ampleforth in North Yorkshire he loved theatre and performed a monologue on The Evils of Tobacco.

Not sure cigar smoking 007 would agree with that one.

He started young as an actor, external

He went on to star in some classic British dramas

He can do "terrifying menace" brilliantly - after playing psychopath Tommy Lee Royce in the BBC drama Happy Valley.

Happy Valley, external

In ITV's crime series Grantchester, James played Reverend Sidney Chambers.

Like Bond, his character's got a complicated love life. But with less killing.

Grantchester, external

James played Prince Andrei Bolkonsky in the BBC adaptation of War and Peace.

War and Peace, external

But he still has competition....

Image source, PA

Aidan Turner was a firm favourite to replace Daniel Craig until he signed up to a new series of Poldark.

It means filming schedules could clash.

Idris Elba is still in the running with current odds at 10-1.

Image source, Getty Images

And then there's Tom Hiddleston.

He could still be in with a chance, despite those photos with Swifty.

Tom Hiddleston is pictured with Taylor Swift on Instagram , external

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