AN actor who was brought up in Ryedale is being tipped to become the next James Bond.

James Norton, whose parents still live near Malton, is the book makers favourite to replace Daniel Craig as 007.

While the release date of the next Bond film has yet to be released, fans have been quick to back James to land the role, citing his good reviews for roles in Happy Valley, Grantchester and Death Comes To Pemberley.

They have also taken to Twitter backing the 30-year-old with tweets under the newly-created #JamesNortonForBond hashtag.

James was educated at Ampleforth College, where he got his first taste of acting and went to the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough on work experience aged 15.

The actor has recently spoken of his school days, where the first character he played was No Doubt singer Gwen Stefani, in a school miming competition in 1998.

He said: “It was the first moment I stood before a big audience. I was terrified as I was 11 and I learnt all the words. We had one wig and one skirt to share. Not many people chose to do it. I was utterly terrified at first and just stood there demurely tapping my foot. Then everyone began cheering.”

Also in the running to play James Bond is Poldark actor Aidan Turner, Jamie Bell, who starred as Billy Elliott and Night Manager leading manTom Hiddleston who is currently dating singer Taylor Swift.