James Norton - who is tipped to succeed Daniel Craig as 007 - looks a far cry from the sophisticated spy as he chat with fans while on a bike ride

By Richard Eden for the Daily Mail and Laura Parkin For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

James Bond always manages to look stylish, no matter how unlikely the circumstances.

But the same cannot be said for James Norton, who’s tipped to succeed Daniel Craig as the next 007. 

The Happy Valley star, 37, looked a far cry from the sophisticated spy as he met fans during a leisurely cycle ride in Soho, London.

Contrast: James Norton, 37, looked a far cry from James Bond as he met fans during a leisurely cycle ride in Soho, London

Contrast: James Norton, 37, looked a far cry from James Bond as he met fans during a leisurely cycle ride in Soho, London

James wore a green T-shirt and jeans, which he rolled up to below his knees while he flashed his bright pink socks. 

The actor was recognised by two women during his outing, with whom he was happy to chat.

It comes as James Bond producers are searching for an actor to sign up for a whopping 12 years when they pick a new 007.

Low-key: James wore a green T-shirt and jeans, which he rolled up to below his knees while he flashed his bright pink socks

Low-key: James wore a green T-shirt and jeans, which he rolled up to below his knees while he flashed his bright pink socks

Franchise boss Barbara Broccoli has told how her team are planning a 'reinvention' of the British Secret Service agent character so need the huge 'commitment' from whoever is chosen. 

It comes as she appeared to rule out 50-year-old Idris Elba from taking on the more than decade-long role due to his age. 

Bookies Ladbrokes now have Henry Cavill, 39, at 2-1 to be the next 007 with Bridgerton star Regé-Jean Page, 34, at 7-2, Tom Hardy, 45, at 4-1 and Oscar-winner Chi­we­­tel Ejiofor, also 45, 13-2. 

Could he be next? It comes as James Bond producers are searching for an actor to sign up for a whopping 12 years when they pick a new 007

Could he be next? It comes as James Bond producers are searching for an actor to sign up for a whopping 12 years when they pick a new 007

Ms Broccoli told The Mirror of her plans for the next Bond: 'We love Idris. The thing is, the decision is going to be a couple of years off.

'And when we cast Bond, it's a 10 to 12-year commitment. So he's probably thinking, 'Do I really want that?'.

'It's not just about casting an actor for a film, it's about a reinvention.' 

She also noted that it was difficult to encourage Daniel Craig, now 54, to take on the role in 2006, adding: 'And he was in his 30s at the time.' 

Commitment: It was recently revealed Bond producers are searching for an actor to sign up for a whopping 12 years when they pick a new 007 (favourite to take over Henry Cavill is pictured)

Commitment: Franchise boss Barbara Broccoli has told how her team are planning a 'reinvention' of the British Secret Service agent character (favourite Henry Cavill is pictured) 

Ruled out? His comments seemingly rule out frontrunners Idris Elba, 50, from being cast as the next 007 agent

Stepping aside: It comes as she appeared to rule out 50-year-old Idris Elba from taking on the more than decade-long role due to his age 

Daniel CraigJames Norton

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