He’s been facing mounting speculation that he’ll be the next James Bond since announcing his exit from Netflix hit Bridgerton.
And Regé-Jean Page has now admitted that he’s ‘flattered’ to be included among a host of British stars tipped for the iconic role.
He told The Mirror: ‘Ah, the B word. I think that if you are British and you do anything of note, that other people take notice of, then people will start talking about that.’
In the running? Regé-Jean Page has said that he’s ‘flattered’ to be included among a host of British stars tipped to become the next James Bond
Regé-Jean added: ‘I think that’s fairly normal and I’m flattered to be in the category of Brits that people have noticed. Nothing more – or less – than that.’
However despite being the bookies favourite, Regé-Jean said he was bemused by the idea of making any plans at ‘this moment in history’ and has ‘given up’ doing so.
The hunky star also admitted that he can be a bit of a ‘racehorse’, often signing onto a project and focussing completely on it with the ‘blinders on’.
His comments comes after bookmakers Coral revealed that the newcomer is hot favourite to play the iconic spy role following Craig’s departure from the franchise.
Gearing up for 007? The actor, 31, recently announced he would not be returning to Bridgerton for series two, sparking more speculation he could become Bond (pictured in January 2020)
Regé-Jean’s odds have been slashed to 5-2, overtaking long-running favourites Tom Hardy and James Norton – who had previously been the top picks at 3-1.
Huge stars including Idris Elba, Sam Heughan, Richard Madden and Henry Cavill are all currently trailing behind the others on 10-1
A spokesman for the bookmakers said: ‘The news that Regé-Jean Page will not be returning for the second series of Bridgerton has prompted plenty of bets from punters who believe he’ll make the perfect James Bond.
‘We now make him favourite, ahead of Tom Hardy, for who succeeds Daniel Craig as 007.’
The upcoming Bond film, No Time To Die, is currently slated for release in the UK in September and will be Daniel Craig’s final outing as the spy.
Final film: Daniel Craig’s last outing as Bond will be in upcoming move No Time To Die, which is currently slated for release in September after several Covid delays
Back in January, Regé-Jean hinted that he could be a good contender to succeed Daniel Craig as James Bond.
After being announced as favourite at the time, Regé-Jean added fuel to the fire when he took to Twitter to share a glimpse of his character Simon Bassett, Duke Of Hastings, and referenced 007’s iconic drink order as he wrote:
‘Regency, royalty Shaken and stirred.’
The speculation over Regé-Jean’s Bond future hit fever pitch after the news broke that he won’t be returning to Bridgerton for a second series.
The Hollywood Reporter wrote this week: ‘[According to a source] Page was offered an opportunity to return as a guest star in three to five episodes of season two – at a rate of $50,000 [£36,000] an episode – but declined for a multitude of reasons.’
They went on to note that his ‘burgeoning film career’ is one of the reasons.
Regé-Jean later confirmed the show had a ‘one-season arc’ and his character’s story was finalised in one series and he never intended to return.
Hint: After being announced as favourite at the time, Regé-Jean added fuel to the fire when he took to Twitter to share a glimpse of his Bridgerton character Simon Bassett, Duke Of Hastings, and referenced 007’s iconic drink order
He told Variety: ‘It’s a one-season arc. It’s going to have a beginning, middle, end – give us a year. That’s interesting, because then it felt like a limited series. I get to come in, I get to contribute my bit and then the Bridgerton family rolls on.’
The hit Netflix series took to its official Twitter account to reveal that the actor won’t be appearing on season two.
The account confirmed that Regé-Jean’s on-screen wife Phoebe Dynevor will return for the next instalment of the streaming phenomenon.
Regé-Jean, who is set to star in The Gray Man, also took to Instagram to confirm the news as he emotionally said it had been a ‘pleasure and a privilege to be your Duke’.
In a tongue-in-cheek statement penned as the mysterious show lead Lady Whistledown, Bridgerton tweeted: ‘Your Grace, it has been a pleasure.’
Shock: The speculation Regé-Jean’s Bond future hit fever pitch after the news broke that he won’t be returning to Bridgerton for a second series (pictured in character)
The statement read: ‘Dear Readers, while all eyes turn to Lord Anthony Bridgerton’s quest to find a Viscountess, we bid adieu to Regé-Jean Page, who so triumphantly played the Duke of Hastings.
‘We’ll miss Simon’s presence onscreen, but he will always be a part of the Bridgerton family.
‘Daphne will remain a devoted wife and sister, helping her brother navigate the upcoming social season and what it has to offer – more intrigue and romance than my readers may be able to bear. Yours truly, Lady Whistledown.’
Regé-Jean later confirmed his show exit in his own statement posted to Instagram where he shared a picture of himself in character and behind-the-scenes.
He penned: ‘The ride of a life time. It’s been an absolute pleasure and a privilege to be your Duke.
‘Joining this family – not just on screen, but off screen too. Our incredibly creative and generous cast, crew, outstanding fans – it’s all been beyond anything I could have imagined.’
Signing off his message, he added: ‘The love is real and will just keep growing ❤️❤️.’
Statement: The hit Netflix series took to its official Twitter account to reveal that the actor will not be back